Ricky Rubio: A Frolicking Future NBA Hall-of-Famer

When he’s not busy jamming to the Jonas Brothers, watching High School Musical 2 for the ninth time (he’s over it now… it’s unwatchable after the eighth viewing), or begging his parents to let him stay out until midnight justthisonce, Ricky Rubio be ballin’.

Why? Because ever since he was a kid (as recently as last week), his dream has been to be the best basketball player in the world.

And the (insert oh-so-clever Pete Maravich description such as “mop-topped” or “colorful,” but not “alcoholic,” not quite old enough yet… well, maybe in Europe?) point guard prodigy is well on his way to realizing that dream if his performance against the USA at the Beijing Olympics was any indication.

The kid looked unflappable handling the ball, was unfazed while playing aggressive defense against Dwayne Wade, Chris Paul, and Deron Williams, and didn’t hesitate to push it on the break with LeBron James nipping at his heels.

He’s also got style to go with that substance. He earned a dime by completing an insane twirling 35-foot bounce pass in transition to an open Rudy Fernandez spotting up for three and finished drives with acrobatic lay-ups.

Most impressive? At just 17, he already yaps at the refs more than Rasheed Wallace (not quite as much as John Terry yet, for soccer fans). Truly fearless.

The big knock on Rubio is people question whether he can shoot a basketball (he has no peer with a Nerf gun). The same doubt was cast over the aforementioned LeBron when he was Rubio’s age. As good as he is already, Rubio is clearly willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill his potential. Again, he’s just 17, there’s plenty of time for his shot to develop.

In the meantime, he still finds ways to score despite an iffy jumper. In 2006, he scored 51 points (and grabbed 24 rebounds, made 12 steals, and dished out seven assists) in the finale of the European U-16 Championships.

If his jump shot doesn’t improve, expect him to still start from day one in the NBA and be a perennial All-Star. If it does (once more, he’d be entering his senior year of high school if he was in the USA, there’s time), with his long frame (sorry to sound like Jay Bilas), fundamentals, and quickness, he could be a lethal post-up player in the mold of Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan.

Either way, he’ll be one of the most fun players in the NBA, and Zac Efron will be watching him.

EDIT: A very good question from an anonymous commentor...

"I see you love Derrick Rose. Who would you rather have??? Him or Rose?"

Hmmmm...
Well shit...

I do love Derrick Rose...
I hate qualifiers like "well if you're asking who I'd take next season... yada yada," where you don't pick a side, so I'm just going to answer literally.

If you draft either of these guys with the number one overall pick, you're doing so hoping and expecting them to spend their entire career with your team. So in regards to their career impact...

In terms of excitement, I think it's a wash. Both would bring fresh fan interest both in your own city and throughout the NBA. I'd be surprised if each didn't start in the All Star Game due to fan voting within their first couple seasons.

Each is a good defender, flashy passer/dribbler, excellent penetrator, and has an iffy shot. Each also has had a nice track record of leading good teams.

In the end I'd take Rubio, honestly. I can foresee him averaging 20+ points and 10+ assists in his prime, while also being the best defensive player in the NBA. Rose has high end potential, but I think Rubio has higher potential. Both will be great.

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