Ricky needs to stop playing games for Spain in the offseason

[BloopOracle]

if only for a few years, needs to hit the weights and work with a shooting coach the entire offseason

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Don't disagree. Playing more games is not necessarily a good formula for improvement unless you simply lack a good feel for basketball and need more game action (which obviously doesn't apply to Rubio). I actually think this applies to the youth level too, where so often year-round AAU programs and endless tournaments supplant a real offseason where someone can hunker down and focus on individual skill improvement.

[shahidi124 [enjin:6591729]]

Agreed! I said this early on in the season. All this offseason tourney ball is killing his ability to work on his shot

[mjs34]

Don't see that happening. Playing for your national team is huge over in Europe.

As long as he doen't stop playing these games -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h11nBXvuQsc

[KiwiMatt]

I'm sure if you guys were Spanish you would want him to play for your national team.......

[KiwiMatt]

Our NZ national team can't even get Steven Adams to play for them because NZ Basketball can't afford to cover OKC's insurance fee....

[BloopOracle]

I'm sure if you guys were Spanish you would want him to play for your national team.......

I would of course in the Olympics but he plays over there EVERY offseason

[Coolbreeze44]

Yeah, he needs to focus on shooting and finishing if he's ever going to reach his potential. Playing for the national team takes up too much of his offseason. Problem is he has to be willing.

[KiwiMatt]

I'm sure if you guys were Spanish you would want him to play for your national team.......

I would of course in the Olympics but he plays over there EVERY offseason

I believe he missed the two previous years playing for Spain due to injury so it hasn't exactly been EVERY offseason. Can't blame the guy for wanting to represent his country at every opportunity. I know I would.

[Hicks123 [enjin:6700838]]

Once he decided to take $5M per from an NBA team, it is my opinion that the team should be allowed to dictate whether or not a player plays in alternate leagues or Olympic events. The Wolves have a right, based on an EXTREME investment to tell him to bypass summer ball in Europe. If Ricky is severely hurt during one of these events, the NBA team has no recourse from a salary cap impact standpoint. Too much risk.