Ricky Rubio & The 2009 NBA Draft

Back in the Summer of 2009 the Wizards came out of the draft lottery holding the 5th pick.  The draft class looked really weak at the time and the 5th pick didn't seem like it would really pan out to be anything.  There was no doubt that Blake Griffin was going to be selected first overall and after that there was nobody left that was a shoe in future star.

In the 5th position, one player who's name constantly came up was Ricky Rubio.  Rubio was a young point guard from Spain who didn't really want to play in the NBA.  He kept saying he didn't want to play in Washington, among other places, and it was pretty well known that he was going to play in Spain instead of the NBA for some period of time.  Rubio had lots of talent, but was going to be drafted what seemed like more based on potential as he was only 19 years old.

In 2009 Gilbert Arenas was once again coming back from injury and he was going to lead the team to the playoffs.  The Wiz had a win now attitude and instead of drafting this mystery guy, who would potentially not help the Wizards at the current time, the Wizards traded this pick to the T-Wolves for Mike Miller & Randy Foye.  This was one of the worst moves in Wizards history because basically Mike Miller & Randy Foye sucked and Gilbert Arenas did too.  (although it could have paved the way for John Wall)

After the Wiz traded away this pick (which was used by the Wolves to secure Rubio's rights) Mike Wilbon wrote a column in the Post about how the Wizards would regret that move.  A quote:

"How do you say "Maravich" in Spanish?" -- Mike Wilbon

This is the year that Rubio finally makes his NBA debut.  Finally we will see what this (I think) over-hyped player can do.  Best case, Pistol Pete, Worst case, back in Spain in 2 years.  But we can also find out what the Wizards could have had instead of nothing.  A backcourt with Rubio & John Wall.

While I liked the trade at the time instead of Rubio, I did not like the trade instead of drafting Steph Curry.  I mean WTF.  That missed pick pisses me off...J Wall & Steph Curry, my dream backcourt...

Rubio's Value Is Actually Increasing

Prior to the NBA draft, Ricky Rubio was projected to be drafted as high as the 2nd pick. When draft day came, he had fallen all the way to pick #5. Now, with his "I may go back to Spain if I'm not happy" attitude, his value is somehow increasing.

I may have been wrong to be so happy about not being in position to draft Rubio...

When Rubio fell to pick #5, he became more valuable than the predraft #5 pick. That means if the Wizards didn't get excited trade the pick before the draft, they could have had more options for trades, and an overall better position than they could imagine.

According to the New York Daily News, the Rockets offered Aaron Brooks & Shane Battier to the Timberwolves for Rubio.

Aaron Brooks & Shane Battier or Mike Miller & Randy Foye?

2 Starters on the only playoff team that gave the Lakers trouble vs 2 Guys on the worst team in the NBA?

And it appears that the T-Wolves turned that trade down. Who knows what other offers are being put up there for Rubio. I'll tell you who doesn't know, the Wizards.

While drafting Rubio and keeping him would have been a bad move, waiting til draft day seems like it would have worked out better. After hearing these trade offers, Ernie Grunfeld must be wishing he could go back in time.

The Wizards may have ended up with Mike Miller & Randy Foye no matter what, but they should have played this better and seen what else was available.

Wilbon Would Rather Have Ricky Rubio

In Michael Wilbon's latest column, he talks about how the Wizards should have kept the #5 pick to draft Rubio, and how Rubio is Pistol Pete.

Before the draft, it was hard to tell about the Mike Miller & Randy Foye trade. Any number of players were expected to be around at pick #5. When grading the trade, you also had to speculate on who the Wizards would have drafted instead. After listening to Ernie Grunfeld, it was very hard to tell. There were tons of different options and everyone had their own opinion.

One of those guys at spot #5 was not supposed to be Ricky Rubio, a fact that one could only see after the draft was over. However, Ricky was available, and it gave people a more solid idea to compare when talking #5 vs trade.

That leads us now to 2 main types of people. People who like having Miller & Foye vs people who would rather have Ricky Rubio. When you think about it, that is the whole entire theme of the NBA draft. Proven vs Hype.

Wilbon leads the hype crowd in thinking that Rubio could be the next best thing, and since Miller & Foye aren't the final answer, you may as well draft Ricky.

I am in the other crowd, thinking that Miller & Foye are decent players, while Rubio is probably not any good and not worth the risk. (with teams like the Skins & the Nats, I need a playoff team NOW, not in 3 years)

So what is the point of this post? Basically so you go and read Wilbon's article. Love it, Hate it, do whatever. I usually read his articles and want to debate him like Kornheiser just about every time.

Michael Wilbon--Wizards Will Regret Missing Out On Rubio

Wizards First Round: Ricky Rubio & The Great Trade Of The #5 Pick

After the draft lottery, I was glad that the Wizards didn't end up with the 2nd or 3rd pick specifically because I didn't want them to draft Ricky Rubio.

Now that the draft is over, I LOVE the fact that the Wizards traded the #5 pick. While I'm not 100% sure they traded at the right time or for the best guys possible, I am pretty sure about one thing.

The Wizards would have drafted Ricky Rubio, and it would have been bad.

Sidenote: If Rubio was picked at #4, and the Wiz would have drafted Steph Curry, then I would be semi upset, but not Rubio upset

The main reason that pick would have been bad is because Ricky Rubio stinks (possibly). Rubio is a less high Jason Williams (the Florida guy not the murderer). He is reeling out highlights against players in Spain! I feel like I'm in a bizzaro world. Am I the only one who sees what is happening here? Spain!

Second, Rubio refused to work out until the last possible moment because he didn't want anyone to see how he is not an NBA player. Finally, for some reason, he decided to workout for the Kings a few days prior to the draft, was unimpressive, and he dropped to the #5 pick.

Thirdly, Rubio said he didn't want to play in DC. There is a chance he would have pulled some crap like "im not playing, im gonna go back to Spain". Really buddy? If you do that it is obvious that you are scared to play in the best league in the world. I'm guessing you are gonna be a good Euro-flopper.

Now instead of an unknown 10 year old, the Wizards have 2 decent players that make the team better right away.

If Rubio somehow becomes an MVP in a few years, nobody will remember this anyway, so I'm good...If he becomes Rookie of the Year, I may have to hide in a cave. But I'm not worried.

Ricky Rubio Doesn't Want To Be A Wizard

Ricky Rubio, somewhere around 10 years old, is the "best" player in Spain (which is like being the best disposable razor in a 12 pack). He is projected in most places to be worthy of the 2nd overall pick in the draft.

I thought we got over that foreign hype thing...Danilo Gallinari, Yi Jianlian, Andrea Bargnani, Darko...How are all those top 10 non American players working out...

According to Wizards Insider, Rubio's agent claims that Ricky has no interest in playing for the Wizards. Oh no! Boo hoo! What ever will the Wizards do now...

Chad Ford from ESPN reported that Rubio is refusing to attend pre-draft workouts. Making sure his "legend" and hype keep him in the top 5? Making sure teams won't be able to see that he is not as good as they think he is? Probs...

Rubio shunning the Wizards is no big deal. I'm just glad they slipped to #5 and won't have to worry about it...