When this life makes you mad enough to kill
That’s rock bottom.
When you want something bad enough to steal
That’s rock bottom.
When you feel you have had it up to here
Cause you mad enough to scream but you sad enough to tear.
That’s rock bottom.
Slim Shady has come a long way from his first album when he was using his pen to escape the feelings associated with hitting rock bottom. It has been nothing but platinum status since 1999 for the Detroit wordsmith and miles away from where we find our feature player’s performance to date.
I am not sure what the complete opposite of a diamond plaque would be, maybe gravel? Pebble? Pellet? Who knows, but what is certain is that this player finds himself in the running for that unappealing designation.
We can talk about the Flintstones in length to offer up variant rock formations that best describe granule offerings this player has provided in fantasy. This player has cobbled together a disappointing season so far for his owners and it has been nothing but debris in his wake.
Presenting: RICKY RUBIO
Rock bottom might not be an accurate depiction of his performance. Bedrock or Earth’s core seems to be closer to the truth when it comes to describing what we have seen from the Spaniard to this point in the season. You might be saying to yourselves, “Joe! Rubio isn’t just underperforming this week, he’s been lack luster all season long my guy”. You would be 100% correct, however, we look for a path to value in this post and I feel that we have some light at the end of this tunnel that is worth exploring.
I am completely aware that Rubio and D’Angelo Russell were an awkward fit from the start. We have two point guards who work best with the ball in their hands as opposed to off the ball. D Russ is younger and brought aboard to pair with KAT boogie in pick and roll action, and it does not hurt that they are also friends off the court, which I am certain the Wolves hoped would make Kat happy. A happy franchise player makes for a happy existence for all stakeholders involved.
Enter Rubio, an expected dip in some categories was to be expected but what we have seen is a colossal drop off and I believe he can only go up from here. Rubio finds himself ranked at 195 overall behind averages of: 34% f/g, 84% f/t, 6pts, 3.2 rebs, 5.7 assists, 1.2 stls, 0.3 from three. Last season, Rubio finished 89th overall with averages of: 41.5% f/g, 86% f/t, 13pts, 4.7 rebs, 8.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 three’s. Rubio may not finish the 89th player overall this season but he also will not finish 195th overall either and the reason will be due to an uptick in his points, threes, and field goal percentage.
In today’s NBA there are so many opportunities for players to shoot from deep that it would stand to reason that Rubio will drift closer to hitting 1 three per game and subsequently lift his points per game. Historically, Ricky has not been an efficient shooter but 34% is low, even for him at this point in his career.
Due to his poor play, it is highly likely that Rubio is available on the wire in many leagues and even if he were not, I would imagine his GM would move him for literal pennies on the dollar.
Why add Rubio to your roster? Valid question.
Reason being, assists and steals are difficult stats to find on their own and are usually attached to top 60 players or specialists who will hurt you elsewhere. A productive Rubio resides in a space where he is not quite a specialist nor a top 60 player but can be a productive piece to your fantasy puzzle.
There is also a chance that Minnesota realizes that the reunion is not working with Rubio and opt to move him out in order to provide playing time for their youngsters.
Overall, it will cost you next to nothing. Rubio’s GM might find themselves between a rock and a hard place, as they straddle the fence on keeping him or benching him. I suggest he is worth a look and could provide some decent late-round value in scarce categories to help boost your squad.
As always, hit me up in the comment section and good luck out there.
Peace.
