It has been 11 days since The Minnesota Timberwolves beloved point guard, Ricky Rubio, left the game against Orlando with a rolled a ankle. Toward the beginning of the season Flip Saunders referred to this season as “developmental,” and those words have become the epitome of the Timberwolves.
Reports from the Timberwolves camp say that Rubio was still on crutches during Monday’s practice. As for his return Flip Saunders answered, “When he gets off crutches we’ll be able to evaluate.”
With the T-Wolves cutting ties with veteran point guard J.J. Barea, they are left with Mo Williams and Zach LaVine to play point guard.
Coach and President of Basketball Operations Flip Saunders seems to be keeping Mo Williams as a reserve player and letting rookie Zach LaVine log most of the minutes. LaVine did not start a single game at UCLA has now found himself starting for the Timberwolves in their last four games.
LaVine has not put up stellar numbers only averaging 5.7 points, 2.7 assists and 2.2 turnovers per game, shooting 35 percent from the floor in a little more than 20 minutes of court time. As a rookie, especially a rookie who has little experience, it is important for LaVine to get as much court time as possible.
LaVine and first overall pick Andrew Wiggins are currently the youngest duo in the NBA. Coach Saunders is pairing the youngsters up with the veteran leadership of Kevin Martin, Nikola Pekovic, and Thaddeus Young in the starting lineup.
Unfortunately for the T-Wolves, a long, cold, tumultuous winter is ahead. The Timberwolves organization might have to look at shedding some salary and completely starting over. For now, the “developmental” strategy will continue and as a basketball fan, I hope Zach LaVine continues to deliver face-melting dunks like these.
