The NBA trade rumors continue and Ricky Rubio, despite repeated denials, is seen by pundits as a player on the move.
In a previous report, a Rubio for Bledsoe trade was proposed but a trade sending Ricky Rubio to Phoenix is far from the only destination for him.
There are many teams that could use a pass-first point guard. A team that is anchored on ball movement and unselfish plays like the San Antonio Spurs. This is the gist of a feature by Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated.
Rubio's career thread was similar to Tony Parker-a young prospect from Europe who has already been playing professional basketball years before he could make the NBA Draft minimum (19 years old). Parker was not much of a household name and the Spurs were probably the early experts of scouting international backcourt talent (see Manu Ginobili).
Not too many raised eyebrows when the Spurs drafted Parker and he distinguished himself with poise and confidence beyond his years (because he was already a pro). It was Parker's breakthrough that paved the way for talents like Rubio to be on the radar way before he crossed the Atlantic.
Thus, it would seem fit for Rubio to end up with the San Antonio Spurs. Woo noted that "aside from the obvious basketball fit as an unselfish, unorthodox player and capable defender, not to mention his European roots, Rubio would be the best pure passer to come through Gregg Popovich's Spurs program."
He also mentioned that the Spurs have the legendary Chip Engelland, the shooting coach that has been instrumental in developing the Spurs into a team with multiple three-point threats. Shooting is Rubio's biggest weakness, but his passing, court sense and defense are all on point for the team.
Rubio will also find a familiar face with Pau Gasol. If the Spanish center would hang up his sneakers in San Antonio, it would be fitting that Rubio be his teammate.
What Woo is uncertain about is how the trade might be executed. Pieces like Danny Green or Patty Mills, the players often cited as trade pieces for the Spurs, are likely to go.
The caveat is from the Minnesota side. Just how eager is Tom Thibodeau to help out a Western Conference rival? He knows Rubio would be a fit with Pop's system and strengthening the Spurs might come back to haunt them. Still, the Wolves have ways to go before they can be considered a "contender."
Sending Rubio to San Antonio will make them a real threat to the dominance of the Golden State Warriors. They won't be title favorites, but the series would be interesting.