USA/ESP Rubio's injury a blow to T-Wolves and NT

MINNESOTA (NBA/Olympics) - Ricky Rubio's impressive rookie campaign with the Minnesota Timberwolves came to an end over the weekend when the 21-year-old tore the ACL in his left knee in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The injury has robbed the T-Wolves of the point guard who has helped turn the franchise into one of the most exciting in the NBA, and it has left Spain with a big hold in their backcourt as they look ahead to the London Games.

Rubio made his Olympic bow in Beijing four years ago and was a lock to make this summer's national side but he must now watch as Spain, beaten by the USA in a thrilling gold-medal game in China, attempt to return to the podium.

While Spain coach Sergio Scariolo has some time to consider his point-guard options for London, Minnesota must decide now how to move forward without their best passer and most creative player.

Rubio struggled last season with Barcelona but in the more open, free-flowing NBA he was averaging 10.6 points, 8.2 assists and 2.2 steals.

The injury has shocked the Timberwolves players, but coach Rick Adelman said: "I told them today you don't have time to get down.

"You can't when you get injuries in this league.

"The teams that respond are usually the teams that are ready for guys to step in.

"I don't see why we have to change that."

Puerto Rico international Jose Barea and Luke Ridnour are expected to play a lot more minutes with Rubio gone as the T-Wolves chase a top-eight spot in the Western Conference.

Eighth-place Houston are just a game ahead of ninth-place Minnesota.

Team USA big man Kevin Love, who has thrived with Rubio in Minneapolis, said: "It's a big loss for us.

"He makes winning plays, he's a winner. We love having him around.

"We hope for a speedy recovery so he can help this team next year."

As for Spain, Jose Calderon is the starting playmaker and the team also has Real Madrid's Sergio Llull, who can play point guard.

Llull's Real Madrid teammate Sergio Rodriguez and Bilbao Basket's Raul Lopez have played for Spain in the past but were not in last year's team.

Rodriguez played on the Spanish side that won the 2006 world title and also represented the country at EuroBasket 2007.

He hasn't featured since.

His return this season to Spain from the NBA to play for Real Madrid has brought him a lot more minutes on the court and Rodriguez does look to be a strong candidate for Spain's squad.

Raul Lopez, a success in the NBA before knee injuries led to his return to Europe, played for Spain for three straight years but was not in last year's squad at the EuroBasket in Lithuania.

He has been crucial for Bilbao Basket this season, though, helping the team reach the Euroleague Quarter-Finals.

The 30-year-old Calderon was terrific last year in Lithuania.

Hobbled by injuries in recent seasons, he played in Beijing but an injury knocked him out of Spain's last two games in China, and a season of knocks in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors led to his absence at EuroBasket 2009.

Calderon pulled out of Spain's squad less than a week before the start of the 2010 FIBA World Championship after getting hurt and only this weekend, he sprained his ankle in a game against Detroit.

That kept him out of Sunday's game against Milwaukee but Calderon is hoping to return to the court this week.

Right now, everyone, including Rubio's rivals, is disappointed the young Spaniard is hurt.

He must be patient, remain upbeat and look for a successful rehab after having surgery.

"I promise I will be back soon and stronger," Rubio said on Twitter.

"There is only one way to take: move forward and stay positive."


FIBA