KEY POINTS
- The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired Ricky Rubio from the T-Wolves
- Rubio could be the starting point guard role if Collin Sexton exits
- Sexton seems to be on the radar of several NBA teams
For those who may have gotten to follow Ricky Rubio ever since he joined the league in 2012, there is no question that the 30-year-old is a playmaker any team would love to have.
However, this is with a strict emphasis on playmaking. One flaw in the Spaniard’s game is that he is not a good outside shooter.
Hence, his entry could mean that either Darius Garland or Collin Sexton may have to pick up scoring as far as from the outside.
In a report from The Associated Press, the Cavaliers have acquired Rubio in exchange for Taurean Prince, cash and a second-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
The 6-foot-3 guard is currently in Tokyo to play for Spain in the 2020 Summer Olympics.
The trade appears to be a move to make sure that the Cavaliers have a reliable backup guard for the 2021-22 season.
Cleveland turned to Matthew Dellavedova last season, but injuries limited his availability.
Ricky Rubio #9 of Team Spain drives past Daiki Tanaka #24 and Avi Koki Schafer #32 of Team Japan Photo: Getty Images | Gregory Shamus
Dellavedova has contemplated retirement after suffering a concussion this past December.
He continued to experience problematic symptoms that prevented him from workouts, a reason why retirement was raised as a possibility by The Athletic.
The 30-year-old player is an unrestricted free agent and opted to move back to Australia to continue his professional career.
He is currently part of the Boomers seeing action in the men’s basketball tournament at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Rubio will be tasked to use his experience and leadership to help the rebuilding Cavaliers.
When it comes to his position, it may depend on what the Cavs plan to do with Sexton.
The 22-year-old has been in the center of trade talks with several teams possibly considering him.
Among those mentioned include the New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls. As of this writing, nothing has gained traction.
Collin Sexton #2 and Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Cleveland Cavaliers Photo: Getty Images | Ronald Cortes
The Cavs have allegedly reconsidered, but keeping the No. 8 overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft will be tricky.
Money is seen as the problem, and Cleveland is reportedly more inclined to use that on Jarrett Allen.
Also, Sexton has allegedly been criticized for hogging the ball. Together with Darius Garland, the Cavs were supposed to have an explosive backcourt.
But if the Georgia native does leave, Rubio may just find himself starting and orchestrating plays for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff next season.
