Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio is out indefinitely with a sprained right elbow. Rubio suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of Minnesota’s 106-103 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. The Spaniard will be listed as out indefinitely, and his status will be updated when appropriate.
Ricky Rubio Out Indefinitely
Rubio, 26, is a key player for a young Timberwolves team. Last season Rubio averaged 10.1 points and 8.6 assists in 76 games. Known for being an excellent passer of the basketball, Rubio will also be missed on the defensive end. Getting steals is key to winning games, with Rubio averaging 2.1 per game last campaign. So despite Rubio not carrying star player status, his impact on this Timberwolves team is invaluable.
In Rubio’s absence, rookie Kris Dunn is expected to start in his place. The fifth overall pick in this years NBA draft is highly rated, and now has a chance to prove his worth. Dunn’s first start will also be the Timberwolves home opener, against the Memphis Grizzlies. Currently averaging 17.5 minutes, Dunn will likely see up to 26 minutes per game, with Rubio out injured. The young point guard out of Providence appears to be the future in Minnesota. Along with Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns, Dunn has loads of potential.
Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau had this to say on Dunn starting in Rubio’s place, “Next man up. You don’t get here by accident. You’re here, you’re a great player, get in there and get the job done.”
So Thibodeau expects Dunn to come in and play at a high level short term. Something many believe Dunn is capable of. The season is only two games old for this Minnesota team, but the first complication has already arrived. Expect Rubio to miss a few weeks, as the term Indefinitely doesn’t always mean months.
Main photo:
