Minnesota could be a playoff team this year, maybe should be. They have Kevin Love in the middle as the anchor, and this summer they added some guys who potentially really lift the franchise in Brandon Roy and Andrei Kirilenko.
But ultimately, Minnesota’s playoff chances come back to Ricky Rubio — the young Spanish center drives the Timberwolves offense. They need him.
When asked how Rubio was doing on his recover from ACL surgery by the Pioneer-Press, Minnesota GM David Kahn skirted the line between positive and non-committal, saying there was no timetable on his return.
While the original prognosis was for Rubio to return in January don’t be shocked if it is a little earlier, around Christmas. How much the team pushes Rubio may depend on what they get out of Roy and Luke Ridnour. Minnesota really wants to make the playoffs.
But they need to think long term. Like Derrick Rose in Chicago, there is no reason to rush your star point guard back from injury for a January game when what really matters is what he can bring you in the coming years.
