The Minnesota Timberwolves are expecting to be a team that can compete for a playoff spot this season after finishing with the worst record in the NBA last year. Their major downfall a year ago was injuries and in order to be more competitive this year they are going to have stay relatively healthy and keep their key players on the court. One of those key players is Ricky Rubio who has dealt with plenty of injuries throughout his career so when it was announced he wouldn't play in the team's scrimmage Monday night it seemed like it may be panic time already. Rubio's injuries though are reportedly only minor and he is expected back soon, according to Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press.
Rubio was reportedly held out of the scrimmage as a precaution as he is dealing with a minor quad strain and resting his ankle. Rubio likely could have played in the scrimmage but the Wolves didn't want to push it and he is still on track to make it back for the regular season opener. The quad strain likely comes from Rubio having not played in a while so once he gets back into playing shape he should be good to go.
While these injuries are deemed minor and him being held out was precautionary it is fair for Timberwolves fans to worry as Rubio has missed a lot of time in his four year career. Two seasons ago Rubio played in all 82 games but besides that season he has never played in more than 57 games and he was limited to just 22 games last season. The Timberwolves made a big investment in Rubio by signing him to a four year $55 million extension that kicks in this year so they need him on the floor.
Although Rubio got his contract this is still a big year for him. In his four years in the NBA the Spaniard has been a bit of a disappointment as he has never shot better than 38 percent from the field in any season. His passing has been as advertised and he does play solid defense but Rubio's offensive game has not progressed as much as Minnesota would have hoped. This season Rubio is going to have to prove he deserves the contract extension he just signed and that starts with being healthy which it seems like he will be by the time the regular season starts.
