The anticipation and mystery starts with 21-year-old Ricky Rubio. The rookie Spanish point guard could be an instant rock star here, early disappointment, or more likely both. Whatever the story, there will be excitement surrounding him perhaps matching or exceeding any rookie debut in franchise history.
Rubio is handsome, plays with flair and speaks broken English. His surprise passes could sometimes break a teammate’s nose. We can dream he’s another Pete Maravich while being prepared to settle for the second coming of Jason Williams.
While Rubio is maybe a rock star in waiting, this team has other age-26 and under personnel who could be a lot of fun to watch. Start with the NBA’s leading rebounder and All-Star forward, 21-year-old Kevin Love. This is a guy, by the way, who at least one local writer labeled mediocre during the preseason of Love’s rookie year. What did we tell you about preseason judgments?
In the Rubio mania, rookie forward Derrick Williams, 20, has received less attention than a No. 2 overall pick in the draft would expect. This kid is an explosive scorer and versatile player who will get a look by Adelman at both power and small forward. At Arizona his career field goal percentage was .586 percent (.511 on three point attempts). Word is his attitude is good, and how do you not like a guy that enjoys old-time TV including “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?”
Adelman said last week he wants to win now and that “potential” to win gets coaches fired. Wolves fans hope he coaches more production out of a talented trio who often show us both potential and disappointment. The threesome of forward Michael Beasley (22), center Darko Milicic (26) and guard Wes Johnson (24) can within moments both make fans stand and applaud, but also shake our heads with disapproval.
But, hey, that’s why Adelman and his staff have arrived on the scene. Their task is to make the league’s worst defensive team better, convince players to share the ball on offense, reduce turnovers and bust their tails every game. If that sounds like an ambitious to-do list, then you understand why early judgments are a no-no.
Ten games are a place to start with informed opinions. The 10 games after that will be even better. Best yet? At the end of the 66 game strike-shortened season.
Dave—I go back to the early days when Bierman was coaching the likes of Bruce Smith, Urban Odson, Paul Giel, Wildung, Bud Grant, etc. so it was fun to read about the old time players and the great golden days of the Gophers. I liked to “Reach for the Peach”!!! I played sports with Ev Faunce (Fergus Falls )who did an outstanding job at his 165+ lbs. at running back!!! Wes Windmiller was also an o/s bb player at the same time!! I got your column from Clint Schroeder a big fan of yours and one of the biggest sports fans I know!!
Yes, Pelini (Nebraska) is getting some pressure here after the recent Bowl game!! Not a great performance by the team or the coach!!
Nebraska needs to play better. It’s going to be interesting to see how the recruiting goes now that the Cornhuskers are more removed from the state of Texas because they don’t play down that way. Thanks for the great comments.