LOL, the current league leader in steals, former Spanish league defensive player of the year as a teenager, guy who showed the world he could play defense as a 17 year old against Team USA in the Olympics - "has no defense"?
Despite being near the top of the league in steals per game since his career began, Rubio is more than just a flashy defender that gambles to compile steals. He knows where to position himself at all times, and he understands the concept of defensive rotations. He can sniff out where the ball is headed in advance, and he hustles to inflict maximum pressure on his opponents. Rubio is nothing short of an elite team defense player, and the effect that his presence has on the opposing offense is undeniable.
Ricky Rubio: Breaking Down a Defensive Wizard - FanSided
...his impact on defense rivals all that stuff he's doing at the other end.
The dirty secret about Ricky Rubio - TrueHoop Blog - ESPN
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0HTdZGoPcY]Ricky Rubio - excellent defense - YouTube[/ame]
Rubio, Wall, Westbrook, Rondo and Paul are the only active point guards with career rebounding averages over 4.
Yes, he needs to work on his overall shooting, but he is not a complete bust in that area..
Rubio = 32.2% career 3pt shooting, 80.5% FT (37.5 and 89.5 so far this year)
Gary Payton = 31.7%, 72.9%
Isiah Thomas = 29.0%, 75.9%
Rajon Rondo = 24.1%, 62.1%
3 days ago :
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEZlCpdxd0s]Ricky Rubio Full Triple-Double Highlights 2013.11.10 at Lakers - 12 Pts, 14 Assists, 10 Rebs. - YouTube[/ame]
