The injury bug seems contagious in the NBA this season, and the Minnesota Timberwolves aren't immune. Ricky Rubio could miss 7-8 weeks after suffering a severe ankle sprain Friday. In the meantime, rookie Zach LaVine and veteran journeyman Mo Williams will tag-team point guard duties as Rubio recovers.
How will the Timberwolves replace Ricky Rubio?
Zach LaVine thrust into spotlight to replace the injured Rubio with Mo Williams waiting in the wings.
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After Rubio injured his left ankle shortly before the half against the Magic, Mo Williams took over, playing 31 minutes and dishing out seven assists but only scoring two points on 1-for-7 shooting.
In Saturday's game against the Heat, LaVine, who had played only 13 minutes all season, got the nod at point guard, getting his first NBA start. Wolves' Coach Flip Suanders went with the 19-year-old rookie, but had Williams ready at a moment's notice, which was fine with Williams:
Flip "Mo even said he thought it'd be better for Zach to be w/ the main group...if we have to bring Mo in early, we can bring him in early."
— Alan Horton (@WolvesRadio) November 9, 2014 The results weren’t bad, but they weren’t great. LaVine played a decent game, scoring five points on 2-for-5 shooting with six assists and just two turnovers in 26 minutes. Williams wasn’t any better: in 23 minutes, he had two points on 1-for-5 shooting with five assists and three turnovers. The Wolves lost to the Heat, 102-92.
After Kevin Love departed Minnesota for Cleveland in the offseason, 2014-15 already appeared to be a rebuilding year for the Timberwolves. Against the Heat, the Timberwolves became the first team in nine years to start two teenagers (LaVine and Andrew Wiggins). With Rubio out, they’ll get seven to eight weeks to test LaVine, adding more intrigue to their young, exciting roster.
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