Ricky Rubio: A potential rising star

Turnovers

Nobody questions his passing ability. However, it looks like they come at a cost. Ricky’s been averaging 7.7 APG and 3.1 TPG. This is a huge backlash preventing him from having the desired impact on the game. The assist/turnover ratio, the conventional ratio for determining how efficiently a player can run the offense will throw some more light into this matter. Ricky ranks 29th in the league in assist to turnover ratio, behind only LeBron James. Not exactly the right position a potential rising star would like to see himself in. This can also be cut down if he goes for direct, simple passes more often than fancy, between the legs, behind the back passes which have a higher probability of the orange ending up in the opponents hands.

Shooting

Ricky Rubio about to shoot.

His shooting needs a lot of work too, if he has any hope of becoming an offensive, scoring threat and not merely a passer. Ricky’s main problem is that he’s too quick in rising up, in case of jumpers. As mentioned before, his footwork needs more focus. He shuffles across, jumps up way too fast, but due to sub-par footwork, is unable to find enough balance to sink the ball. Also, he needs to work on his follow-through. His follow-through is such that he releases the ball late. This results in the ball bouncing of the front of the rim. Ironic, quick to jump, late to release.

He also needs to improve his 3-point shooting. He shoots at .317 percent from behind the arc. His combined shooting efficiency is just .391. Remember, shooting efficiency takes field goals, 3 pointers and free throws into account. Improving his shooting will make him twice as dangerous to his opponents. They sag off, he can shoot over them or drive. They smother him, he can dribble past them. This will make his game multi-dimensional.

Verdict

Minnesota Timberwolves’ Ricky Rubio

He’s a crafty passer, a delightful ball handler. He has the potential. He has the ability. He also needs a lot of work to achieve his complete potential. Will he work to the required amount on the required aspects of his game? Will he do so and become one of the true elite point-guards of the league in the near future? We’ll have to wait for the next season to know the answer.