As Ricky goes. . .

[Phenom]

So go the Wolves. This may be obvious and could have probably gone in the Indiana thread but I'm holding out less and less hope for someone else carrying this team this season. Its been well said by others on here what the Ricky effect is and how well he did with the salty garbage in the 31 win season but I just want to talk about it again after seeing last nights game. There really is no one else. Wiggins could get there but probably not soon. Even though they are very good scorers, Martin and Pek are followers. Thad is more an X factor type. The rest of the guys seems like mostly followers until one of the young guys shows otherwise. But that's ok with me because I think it can bring the best out in Ricky. When he is engaged and confident, he brings the energy level up and keeps his teammates focused since he will regularly find them shots. He has a good rapport with guys like Pek, Brew, Martin and will probably mesh well with Thad and Drew. Anyway, what I saw last night is obviously what the Wolves will need to have a shot at the playoffs. Ricky is our star and needs to act like one because the point guard play on this team may be more important than on any other team.

Speaking of that, I was thrilled when the Wolves signed Mo for this reason also. He may not stand out statistically from JJ but they are worlds different. Mo has taken control of the second unit and is building great chemistry with Zach, AB, Bud, Gorgui, etc and wants them to succeed. He wants them to have scoring opportunities and actively looks for them. Thats not JJ at all; he is best used as an offensive sparkug when needed. If this team really has any hope of making the playoffs its on Ricky and Mo to rally the troops every night. Its a tall and probably unfair task but that is what I will be keeping an eye on for now. I'm looking forward to seeing how Ricky responds to this challenge.

[Carlos Danger]

I was listening to KFAN briefly today and they were talking about how Rubio had more pressure playing with Love - just getting him the ball/making him happy. I'm not sure I agree with that (I would think having a good player would take pressure off others), but I do understand it was probably not a picnic keeping Love happy. I'm really interested to see how the first unit plays together. Finally one of these preseason games will be on TV tonight!

[Phenom]

I could see a case being made for Ricky being under more pressure with Love here in the sense that Ricky not only has to defer but he has to play off of Love and score in ways that are not his forte. He doesn't do well standing around and waiting. He thrives off of movement. Expecting him to be someone he is not and to do it at a high level is a lot of pressure.

[Monster]

The idea Rubio defered to Love to keep him happy on the floor is really a bunch of ridiculous BS. For one thing Love isn't really a selfish offensive player and never has been. Rubio loves to pass and get guys buckets. Who else to get the ball to but Love? Well In the NBA probably very few people. Rubio yeah probably tried to get the ball to Love. So would I. I'd NEVER shoot if Love was on my team. Lol

Here is the deal for some weird reason Adelman reigned in Rubio and Rubio did not have the kind of freedom he had as a rookie. I didn't watch enough games the last 2 years to really understand exactly why and how this came about but it was there.

The title and basic premise of this thread is very apt. I think this year playing for Flip Rubio is gonna get to be Rubio for the most part both good and bad. I'm one that says hey I'll take what Rubio is really good at and live with it cause its pretty good. Rubio in his rookie year seemed to be a catalyst to the winning that was happening before he got hurt. He was making things happen on offense and defense and his energy was obviously a boost. Hopefully that comes through this year again along with some slight improvement in his shot and scoring. If that happens this team could be much more than interesting they might get some wins.

[Carlos Danger]

Here is the deal for some weird reason Adelman reigned in Rubio and Rubio did not have the kind of freedom he had as a rookie. I didn't watch enough games the last 2 years to really understand exactly why and how this came about but it was there.

I think to Phenom's point, the offensive/system Adelman had (catering to Love) might have been part of the problem. I agree with you that it makes sense to get the ball to your best player (Love). We can't fault that logic. But as Phenom pointed out, Ricky appears better running/moving and from what I saw last year, the team would often have to wait until Love made it back up the floor (after complaining to the refs about a non-call) before resetting the offense to run a play back to Love. On the couple games I've been able to watch this year, it looks like everything is happening faster on the offensive end - which might play to Ricky's strength. It's all just speculation at this point since we haven't even confirmed the 5 starters yet, much less seen them play much. But, we'll see soon enough!

[Phenom]

I dont subscribe to the idea that Ricky needed to make Love happy by getting him the ball. I feel it is more of an issue with the direction of Adelmans offense. The offense was basically run through the Kevins and Ricky was supposed to make it happen for himself off the ball and it is just not his game. That was Barca all over again. I really hope Flip is trying to bring out the Joventut Ricky instead.

[bleedspeed]

I dont subscribe to the idea that Ricky needed to make Love happy by getting him the ball. I feel it is more of an issue with the direction of Adelmans offense. The offense was basically run through the Kevins and Ricky was supposed to make it happen for himself off the ball and it is just not his game. That was Barca all over again. I really hope Flip is trying to bring out the Joventut Ricky instead.

I agree with you. It was Adelman.

[Monster]

I dont subscribe to the idea that Ricky needed to make Love happy by getting him the ball. I feel it is more of an issue with the direction of Adelmans offense. The offense was basically run through the Kevins and Ricky was supposed to make it happen for himself off the ball and it is just not his game. That was Barca all over again. I really hope Flip is trying to bring out the Joventut Ricky instead.

I agree with you. It was Adelman.

Yes I'm with you Phenom. Think about it what Adelman PG on his teams wasn't a scorer in some sort of fashion? Jason Williams, Bibby (became more of a scorer under Adelman), Aaron Brooks etc. Ricky isn't a scorer period its almost against his nature and the reality is that its VERY possible Adelman's system even with some tweaks was a terrible fit for Ricky. Maybe Adelman would have made better adjustments but with injuries lack of talent sick wife etc etc...it just didn't happen.

Looking back its just another kick into the gut to me as a Wolves fan who was THRILLED when we somehow got Adelman and it just didn't work out. Sigh could Flip be the guy that is right for the job? I think so. He seems to want to turn this team into something of a Spurs team model. I think Flip's Wolves teams were closer to that than what a lot of coaches do so it just might work. It should be fun to see him try.

[alexftbl8181 [enjin:6648741]]

I dont subscribe to the idea that Ricky needed to make Love happy by getting him the ball. I feel it is more of an issue with the direction of Adelmans offense. The offense was basically run through the Kevins and Ricky was supposed to make it happen for himself off the ball and it is just not his game. That was Barca all over again. I really hope Flip is trying to bring out the Joventut Ricky instead.

I agree with you. It was Adelman.

Yes I'm with you Phenom. Think about it what Adelman PG on his teams wasn't a scorer in some sort of fashion? Jason Williams, Bibby (became more of a scorer under Adelman), Aaron Brooks etc. Ricky isn't a scorer period its almost against his nature and the reality is that its VERY possible Adelman's system even with some tweaks was a terrible fit for Ricky. Maybe Adelman would have made better adjustments but with injuries lack of talent sick wife etc etc...it just didn't happen.

Looking back its just another kick into the gut to me as a Wolves fan who was THRILLED when we somehow got Adelman and it just didn't work out. Sigh could Flip be the guy that is right for the job? I think so. He seems to want to turn this team into something of a Spurs team model. I think Flip's Wolves teams were closer to that than what a lot of coaches do so it just might work. It should be fun to see him try.

Could it not of been just ricky? I mean sure everyone else Adelman has had was a scoring PG compared to Ricky. Most point guards are

[Phenom]

I dont subscribe to the idea that Ricky needed to make Love happy by getting him the ball. I feel it is more of an issue with the direction of Adelmans offense. The offense was basically run through the Kevins and Ricky was supposed to make it happen for himself off the ball and it is just not his game. That was Barca all over again. I really hope Flip is trying to bring out the Joventut Ricky instead.

I agree with you. It was Adelman.

Yes I'm with you Phenom. Think about it what Adelman PG on his teams wasn't a scorer in some sort of fashion? Jason Williams, Bibby (became more of a scorer under Adelman), Aaron Brooks etc. Ricky isn't a scorer period its almost against his nature and the reality is that its VERY possible Adelman's system even with some tweaks was a terrible fit for Ricky. Maybe Adelman would have made better adjustments but with injuries lack of talent sick wife etc etc...it just didn't happen.

Looking back its just another kick into the gut to me as a Wolves fan who was THRILLED when we somehow got Adelman and it just didn't work out. Sigh could Flip be the guy that is right for the job? I think so. He seems to want to turn this team into something of a Spurs team model. I think Flip's Wolves teams were closer to that than what a lot of coaches do so it just might work. It should be fun to see him try.

Could it not of been just ricky? I mean sure everyone else Adelman has had was a scoring PG compared to Ricky. Most point guards are

There is two sides to this coin. Ricky should essentially be able to play in any system since he is a professional, however, Adelman was brought here in large part for his reputation in playing to personnel strengths. As time went on he went away from that with Ricky. I put more blame on Adelman for this one.