Minnesota Sports Forum

BizarroJerry wrote:Magic Johnson didn't shoot better than 25% from 3 point land his first 10 years. Then the next two years went to .314 and .384 (106 of 276). Bad example? Sure, but just shows skills can be improved later in one's career.

(basketball reference.com)

Why not use Larry Bird, too?

By the way, Magic Johnson didn't shoot below 52% until his 9th year in the league.

Yeah, Bird showed improvement too (inexplicably shot .40 3s in his first year, then dropped to the 20's the next 4 years but eventually got back to .40).

I know Magic was able to get more inside shots due to his size, but I think Rubio and Magic had those same instincts. Again, I know I'm stretching here. If Ricky could get to the line a few more times with some aggressive layups, then maybe the outside jumper would open up and improve.

Ahh, the Bird and Magic days-the good old days of the NBA. Back when I was a kid and didn't know about salary caps!

I am just not sure if Rubio can ever really improve on his jumper. The way it looks is just too slow, too jerky, and no arc. He'd have to completely change his motion which is too late in this stage of the game. His arms almost seem too long for his body.

The place that he can improve, and needs to improve is around the rim. His shooting there is just awful. He can get to the basket easily, and has long arms enough to not have his shot block, but he's just too passive. Kinda like pek, it almost seems like he's afraid of the contact. Maybe he could bulk up a bit, take some boxing lessons or something but if he can be killer around the rim or even above average, he can be a top 5 pg even with his jumper

Sure he can't shoot any better than I can but he's still a gamer. Plays great defense and is as good a passer as anyone in the league. I will be crushed if he's not re-signed.

Ha! I almost never post and I completely forgot about my avatar :).

AbeVigodaLive wrote:23 is NOT still "very very young" in NBA circles.
Especially not when there hasn't been any significant improvement since he was 20 or 21. And I don't see how he's "identical" to Jason Kidd.

That's always been used as the comparison for Rubio. Neither guy could shoot very well. One guy still found ways to score and ways to stay relevant on the court.

The two are not as closely intertwined as many of us want seem to want to believe.

Considering most NBA players peak in their late 20's and decline in their early 30's I don't think its crazy to say he is still young. Trust me I am very frustrated with Rubio, but its way to early to already give up on him. His only problem is scoring, in every other category he is top tier. I will say that his defense is a tad bit overrated, but he gets in players heads. And he's obviously not completely identical to Kidd, but seriously, that is the closest comparison out there. Kidd was an awful shooter and scorer, his career fg% is barely at 40%. But many consider him one of the best PG's of all time. Not saying Rubio is going to be the next Jason Kidd, but at least give him a few more years before denouncing him. Also, Kidd didn't have to deal with an ACL injury, which I still think is a factor in Rubios development.

You would have to be blind not to be concerned about Rubio at this point. That being said there is nothing to do but hope he stays healthy the next 54 games and shows some improvement. I'm still holding out hope that he can put a decent stretch together--subsequently the team wins a few more games--and his overall confidence will rises and maybe we start seeing a different player.

Big picture with Rubio though: I think you ride with him into next season, and by this team next year, assuming he stays healthy, you should know what you are willing to pay him, or if it's worth trading him to find a better piece. I highly doubt a year from now his value will be lower than it is now--it could be but I would guess even if his shooting doesn't improve much at all it will still be about the same--he is young and flashy enough that teams will take a chance on him. Plus despite his horrendous shooting, he does produce in other areas. Areas you cannot teach: passing and anticipation.

This thread has one of the funniest titles of the year. I thought there may be some juicy dirt in here, like Ricky does heroin or he cross dresses. Unfortunately it is just talking about his shooting which closely resembles his career average. He seems to have lived his life is this cycle of hype and disappointment. No doubt he is a unique talent. Whatever his deficiencies are he needs a north American coach this summer to work his ass off at his shooting form and giving him strength near the hoop to finish. I don't mind the missed jumpers as much as the 1-3 ridiculous drives a game where he doesn't use his body to his advantage.

At what age did Nash win back to back MVP's? Wasn't he like 29 or 30 yrs. old?

If he could learn how to finish a damm layup,He would be just fine... The kid can get to the rim just needs to finish.... As far as MAX cash for the kid NOOOOOOOO WAY in hell...