Ricky Rubio Declares Amidst Uncertain Draft Landscape; Playoffs May Help Sort Things Out

As time goes by, I am more and more warming up to the battle of the UConn jump-shooters. I don’t know, sometimes I space out at the time when games turn into back-and-forth three-fests. But maybe I was a little distracted due to the news that Ricky Rubio, the greatest point guard in the world who isn’t American and/or can’t get a driver’s license in Switzerland, will be in this year’s draft. That’s huge news for draft dorks, and for the lottery teams looking for a shot in the arm. Maybe. More on that later.↵
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↵If Rubio’s in, and Griffin’s in, we may see a real dilemma at the top that comes down to trends in the league. So far, we’ve seen Rondo, Rose, Billups, and Parker carry their teams, and the usual reminder that Chris Paul and Deron Williams are amazing even if their teams have issues. As far as size is concerned, well, Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard is dominant, Andrew Bynum’s helpful, Carlos Boozer has numbers. The point guards have made more of a splash, but the big men are that insurance policy teams will always value. There’s also the question of whether teams believe Rubio can step in and perform on that elite PG level, and whether Griffin is dynamic or merely serviceable.↵
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However, there’s a little bit of a complication here. I’ve been mildly obsessed with how many lottery teams appear to have already invested some degree of their future in a pre-existing PG. You only need one stud PG, while a stacked frontcourt is always good, since walls were meant to tower. Given the weak class, Rubio’s made the right choice, and will go No. 2 at the latest. But where he ends up might come as the result of some serious (salary-influenced) wheeling and dealing.↵↵Look at the teams with the league’s worst records: Sacramento would love Rubio, but the Wizards and Clippers supposedly have stars recuperating to retake their point guard slot. Oklahoma City would run into the problem of what to do with explosive, promising Russell Westbrook. The T-Wolves could use him; the Grizzlies have been encouraged by the progress made by Mike Conley, Jr., but whatever. The Warriors would have to resign themselves to a small backcourt, and once and for all give up on Monta Ellis as their PG. Rubio to New York could save the NBA. At the same time, almost all those teams would benefit instantly from Griffin’s presence -- and not have to deal with a buyout in this cash-sensitive climate.↵
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↵That’s why I still think we have to look to the playoffs for answers. If point guards continue to set the tone, Rubio may become indispensable to front offices and fans alike. Unless Griffin measures seven-feet and destroys every other prospect in work-outs. Then, it may be a coin toss on which some GM will stake his entire reputation.↵

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