Ricky Rubio is turning heads all around NBA circles. Sometimes it’s simply because fans and players alike can’t follow or predict his passes, and other times because they cannot believe he actually made the pass he just made. Regardless of which cause, two things are certain:

1. You should not take your eyes of the court while Rubio is in the game.

2.Ricky Rubio has Minnesota TImberwolves fans falling in love.

Having watched every minute of Rubio play this year it’s instantly apparent that he makes everyone around him significantly better. His style of play is infectious, and players are willing to hustle to their spots within Rick Adelmen’s offense in order to present Rubio with passing options off the pick and roll. He makes passes other players wouldn’t dare attempt, and thus far, his teammates are converting them.

Rubio has used his 27 minutes a game in highly productive fashion, currently averaging 8.8 points, 6.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds while hitting 50% of his threes. It’s a relatively small sample size thus far, and likely to level out during the season, but Rubio is proving you can’t allow him to catch and shoot. He can hit the set shot.

Rubio single handedly led the drive to finish off the Mavericks on January 1st, making the Dallas’ defense look like a bunch of loiters on the court at times. His use of the pick and roll with Kevin Love is quickly developed into a tandem Minnesota will thrive off of watching for years to come.

Rubio is quickly proving he is capable of being the man at the helm in crunch time. He is calm, poised, and has lead his team against the Spurs and the Mavericks to victory, winning the last two games.

It is also notable that Rubio and the Wolves have not lost by more than 3 points in their 3 losses to Oklahoma City, Milwaukee, and the Miami Heat. This is a huge turnaround from previous seasons. The Wolves are in games, late in the game.

I commend Rick Adelmen for his approach to ease Rubio into games, but it is only a matter of time until he is the unquestioned starter in Minnesota. He is simply too good, and having his energy and infectious play to start games will only provide better winning opportunities for the Timberwolves.

Another point I made about Rubio, while he was struggling a bit in Spain over the past two years, was that there is no hand checking allowed in the NBA. This is a distinctive advantage to his style of play; one he will continue to use to exploit defenses night in and night out. Once his ability to shoot off the dribble improves, Rubio could potentially be the most lethal administrator of the pick and pop in basketball. The potential is there.

Rubio is already proving critics wrong, only if it’s a small sample size of 5 games, and 27 minutes per game. If you look at just a few things you will realize he is playing with the best team he has ever had. He has Derrick Williams catching reverse  alley-oop dunks that he tosses from half court. He has defenders snapping ankles trying to close out on their man as Rubio creates passing lanes nobody could see. He has three point weapons in Anthony Tolliver, Kevin Love, Wes Johnson, and J.J. Barea. He has a young team and a coach who knows how to turn marginal players into potential all stars.

Essentially, Ricky Rubio has more assets for his game to develop than ever before.

This season marks the first season in a long time for Minnesota Timberwolves fans to truly be excited about their future. Additionally, with this current roster, it proves that as crazy as we all might have thought David Kahn to be, he might actually be on to something.

On that note: David Kahn, get Kevin Love inked to that extension YESTERDAY. At all costs please make sure you have the Love and Rubio duo locked up as long as you can.

According to the New York Post, the New York Knicks are keeping their eyes on Ricky Rubio, the 5th overall selection of the 2009 draft. Rubio is coming on strong lately for Regal FC Barcelona, and is developing quite well.

Having watched all of his Euroleague games this season, I can tell you the kid makes vast improvements upon his game on a game to game basis. His vision and decision making caught his teammates off guard for a bit, but now that they see how well he passes, they are ready for anything when he is on the floor.

Rubio is emerging in Spain. (Credit: picapp.com)

The Knicks are in dire need of a long term solution to lead Mike D’Antoni’s uptempo offense. Chris Duhon has proven during his career with the Knicks that he is basically a quality reserve.

As Donnie Walsh rebuilds around Danilo Galinari and possibly David Lee (if he is signed this summer), a young Rubio fits the bill almost too perfectly.

Besides, New York and Rubio is a match made in heaven when it comes to offsetting his contract buyout with FC Barcelona by acquiring endorsement deals. Minnesota has little to nothing much to offer Rubio in this capacity.

The Timberwolves are in New York tomorrow night, and expect Donnie Walsh to be evaluating the talent for potential trade proposals. The reality for David Kahn to accept is that Rubio will not play a second in Minnesota, unless it is done as  member of a visiting team passing through on a road trip.

Today Ricky Rubio spent his 19^th birthday helping his new team FC Barcelona defeat Fenerbahce Ulker 82-59.

Granted it was not NBA competition, but the teen sensation scored 9 points on 2 for 5 shooting from the field while going a perfect 4 of 4 from the line. Rather impressive.

Rubio had a nice 19th birthday. (Credit: epa)

In addition to his 9 points, Rubio showcased his distributing skills and all around game with 9 assists, 2 steals and 2 rebounds.

Rubio missed his first double-double of the season in just 21 minutes of play.

While other 19-year-old kids are trying to figure their life out, nervously preparing for a date, or cramming for a college exam, Rubio is making a statement as a professional basketball player. He is proving he is worth the hype.

It might not be the NBA, but Euroleague is one of the better basketball leagues in the world. Spain is also one of the largest importers of NBA quality players. Brandon Jennings proved that one year in Italy might be better than one year in the NCAA.

Imagine how good Rubio will be after 2 years in Europe vs 2 years in college.

He might be two years away from the NBA, but that just means Rubio could be spending his 21^st birthday preparing for his NBA game.

This summer marks the continuation of major spending reform (and not for the better) in the NBA. The Vince Carter, Shaquille O’Neal, and Richard Jefferson deals exemplify that liquidating huge contracts for scrap (or crap) heaps, and aiming to win it all now, is THE popular trend–the rich getting richer. Ben Gordon, Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Kidd, and many other free agents will land large deals, but who can afford to pay them?

Teams are preparing for next summer by dangling expiring contracts via trade to desperate teams.  Assessing the chances to land a marquee name–LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Paul Pierce, Manu Ginobili–in 2010 is becoming commonplace, and as a result unthinkable trades are being made.

But let’s not forget, there is top-notch talent available this summer, and Protect the Paint will now evaluate who we think the most relevant free agent is for the teams with the most spending power. Lets face it, money talks, or else the free agent walks.

The teams with the most cap space are:

1. Memphis ($18 mil)
2. Detroit ($16.6 mil)
3. Atlanta ($14.8 mil)
4. Oklahoma City ($14.7 mil)

Other teams with significant room are:

1. Utah ($9.2 mil)
2. Portland ($8.1 mil)
3. Miami ($6.7 mil).

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Memphis is going to need every penny they have if they hope to lure a major free agent to play for the Grizzlies. We’re talking about a small market team and a perennial losing franchise. It is doubtful any free agent of substance would be willing go there. What’s the draw? Don’t say Mark Gasol. Beale Street is pretty nice though.

Whoever Memphis signs, they will likely pay more than that player’s true market value. Additional revenue is the only thing luring a player to the Grizzlies. The only destination less attractive may be Milwaukee where Brandon Jennings hardly looks (or sounds) like a savior.

BIGGEST NEED: New Location. If the Grizzlies were located in a larger market, we’ve got to believe more players would consider playing there. Until then, have your checkbook ready Griz. They do have the money to offer Hedo Turkoglu a salary he could not refuse. The combo of Turkoglu, OJ Mayo, and Rudy Gay is solid yet entirely unrealistic.

DETROIT PISTONS

Wednesday’s breaking news of head coach Michael Curry being fired implies Joe Dumars wants to insure free agents will want to come to Detroit. It is well documented that Curry ruffled more than just one player’s feathers. Apparently, Dumars plans to let Allen Iverson and Rasheed Wallace walk.

Iverson and Wallace are in the twilight of their careers, and locking either one of them into a long-term deal makes absolutely zero sense when the Pistons are building around Rodney Stuckey and Tayshaun Prince. Acquiring a third scoring option who is entering/closer to his prime is what Detroit needs.

Gordon's offensive skills would help Detroit (Credit: chi-ball.com)

GREATEST NEED: Ben Gordon or Hedo Turkoglu. Ben Gordon is ideal for Detroit. He is a young, capable scorer who would give the Pistons a solid trio of offensive weapons to build a bright future around. Turkoglu might not make sense with Rip Hamilton and Stuckey already there, but he is a major factor why Orlando went to the finals and the Pistons can afford him.

ATLANTA HAWKS

After recently acquiring Jamal Crawford from Golden State, it raises questions if Atlanta will re-sign Mike Bibby. Crawford gives Atlanta another 4th quarter scoring threat, easing the defensive pressure on Joe Johnson.

Atlanta can let 30-year-old Bibby walk, and re-sign key reserves Zaza Pachulia and Flip Murray. Retaining Pachulia gives Atlanta depth in the post, which is a necessity for playoff basketball.

Will Childress play another year in Greece? (Credit: lowposts.com)

GREATEST NEED: Keeping what they already have (re-signing Pachulia and Murray). These two players are too valuable and affordable not to re-sign and the Hawks need to save their coin for Johnson who can opt out next summer. Josh Childress returning from Greece would give them back-court flexibility.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

OKC cannot afford to spend too much on a major free agent. The Thunder need to spend frugally in order to retain the core of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook. It is an unconditional must. This being said, signing a mid-level free agent would be the wise move for OKC and there are several available. One in particular would fit nicely with the Thunder’s nucleus.

Millsap would thrive playing with the Thunder (Credit: deseretnews.com)

BIGGEST NEED: Paul Millsap would immediately add a tough rebounding presence and the blue-collar attitude that the young Thunder need. Adding Millsap makes the playoffs a possibility, especially considering Yao Ming’s injury in Houston puts the Rockets 2010 playoff hopes in major jeopardy opening up a spot for another Western Conference team. Millsap gives any team he’s on many second (and often third) chance opportunities on the offensive end. If Boozer opts out of Utah, then expect the Jazz to match any offer made on Millsap.

UTAH JAZZ

The Jazz faced potential free agency disaster, but both Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur have decided against opting out and will stay. Luckily for Utah, Boozer’s injury-plagued 2008-09 season and lingering questions of his ability to stay healthy is most likely all that prevented him from bailing and receiving a large offer elsewhere. Does he care about money more than winning? He did bail on LeBron. That should answer that question.

Okur–a big man who can shoot–must believe his best chance for another title (he won a ring in Detroit) lies in Salt Lake City.

Mehmet Okur won't abandon the Jazz. (Credit: nba.com)

BIGGEST NEED: Staying healthy. A healthy Jazz are as good as any team in the NBA. Re-signing Milsap as insurance for the fragile Boozer would be huge, but chances are good a team with more cap room will nab him.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

Portland is a young team on the rise. They made the playoffs, and in doing so, exposed their greatest weakness.  Depending on which players they decide to retain the rights to, they could go as far as $15-30 million under the cap. They will not advance past the 1st round with Steve Blake as the starting PG. The Blazers have a solid leader in two time All-Star Brandon Roy, but they need a savvy veteran who can bring the ball up court.

Andre Miller is a massive ugrade to Steve Blake (Credit: ESPN)

BIGGEST NEED: Andre Miller or Jason Kidd. Miller would instantly bring leadership and make Portland a title contender as the Blazers mature. Miller has a lot of game left in the tank, and with $8 million to spend in cap space, they could afford to sign him.

With Jason Kidd coordinating the offense, there is no telling where the Blazers could go. Odds are Kidd remains in Dallas or signs with the New York Knicks. Kidd is already in New York and ready to begin negotiations.

MIAMI HEAT

Miami obviously has no interest in spending any money this summer. Their top priority is re-signing Dwyane Wade. The irony might end up being that in not making moves to secure talent around Wade they may lose him. Wade has made it abundantly clear in the media that he wants players provided for him now, not later. What Miami really needs is a low post presence. A solid center would immediately seal up a lot of loose ends for the Heat.

Marcin Gortat can start and make a difference in MIami (Credit: pablonasportowo)

BIGGEST NEED: Marcin Gortat or Anderson Varejao. With Orlando recently acquiring Vince Carter, Orlando will have trouble matching offers for Gortat. With Cleveland making the O’Neal trade they have no chance of paying Varajao the money he wants. Gortat has proven to be a solid performer when filling in for foul-prone Dwight Howard, and could be an affordable solution to fill the void in the middle in Miami. Varejao’s athleticism and defensive prowess might be the better move for Miami. He can give them what last year Jermaine O’Neal couldn’t.

The 2009 NBA Draft is in the books begging the question: What teams added the piece that will help them out of the lottery and into the playoffs next year? The Bulls, Heat, and Blazers—lottery teams from 2008—made the playoffs, replaced this year by Phoenix, Toronto, and Washington (who traded their pick to Minnesota). Below is Protect the Paint’s grades for what this year’s lottery teams did with their lottery pick and a prediction of their lottery-status for next season.

Blake Griffin should start immediately (Credit: ESPN)

#1     Los Angeles Clippers        Blake Griffin            Grade: A

No surprise here. Look for the Clippers to make some roster moves to insure Griffin a starting spot and get rid of some locker room headaches. NEXT YEAR: they’ll be better, but the Western Conference is stacked, so back to the lottery.

Can Thabeet develop an offensive game? (Credit: ESPN)

#2     Memphis Grizzlies        Hasheem Thabeet        Grade: B

The next Dikembe Mutombo? Thabeet should be an immediate impact player on the defensive end. Luckily for him, Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo will be taking most of the shots. Lookout if he develops an offensive game. He should be in the league for his D alone for years to come. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

James Harden might be the best player of the draft class (Credit: ESPN)

#3    Oklahoma City Thunder    James Harden            Grade: B

The Thunder eliminated their biggest weakness and gave Russell Westbrook a running mate in the backcourt. The combination of Westbrook, Harden, Jeff Green, and Kevin Durant is downright frightening for what the future has in store for the Thunder. Look for this team to dramatically improve their win total (23) from last year. NEXT YEAR: much improved, but back to the lottery.

The Kings surprised everyone by selecting Evans over Rubio (Credit: ESPN)

#4    Sacramento Kings        Tyreke Evans            Grade: D

This was a shocker. It seemed every mock draft, rumor, or news report had Ricky Rubio coming to Sac-town. Evans has flaws in his overall game. He is raw, but there is an abundance of raw, young talent in Sacramento. In three years, one must question where Evans will be in comparison to Rubio. Low grade is for not selecting Rubio. The kid displayed abilities and poise years beyond his age in the Olympics against the redeem team. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Ricky Rubio will likely be dealt or play next season in Europe (Credit: ESPN)

#5    Minnesota Timberwolves    Ricky Rubio            Grade: B
The T-Wolves got their man with Rubio. Flynn (see 6th pick) is an athletic, charismatic type player whom will lift his teammates on and off the court. However, he is one of 5 guards selected by Minnesota. We here at Protect the Paint envision Rubio emerging as a superstar in this league. Look for multiple moves in the near future from Minnesota. A good question is if Rubio even plays in the NBA this year. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Jonny Flynn has the talent to star in Minnesota for years to come (Credit: ESPN)

#6    Minnesota Timberwolves    Johnny Flynn            Grade: B-
Guard #2 of 5 selected by Minnesota. It will be very interesting to see who is dealt and who is kept. With Minnesota’s luck, it is a safe bet the guy dealt experiences greater NBA prosperity. Right now, Rubio has far more trade value. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Stephen Curry: NBA Rookie of the Year? (Credit: ESPN)

#7    Golden State Warriors        Stephen Curry            Grade: A+
The Warriors high-octane offense just acquired a serious scoring threat. Scouting reports knocked his defense and decision-making. Sounds like a perfect fit for the Bay Area. The only disclaimer in Oakland: the brass told Monta Ellis they would not select a PG. If the two can get along, the Warriors could be quite dangerous when going small. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Hill is the Knicks consolation prize after Curry was taken at 7. (Credit: ESPN)

#8    New York Knicks        Jordan Hill            Grade: C+
The Knicks lost out big time by not being able to draft Stephen Curry but are satisfied with Hill. Hill provides immediate relief if David Lee leaves. Pundits believe he will thrive in Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun style of play. Will the Knicks ever be good again? NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Can DeRozen make Chris Bosh reconsider leaving Toronto? (Credit: ESPN)

#9    Toronto Raptors        DeMar DeRozan        Grade: A-
This is possibly the best pick the Raptors could have hoped for. DeRozen is freakishly athletic.  Will be a key piece in forcing Chris Bosh to consider staying, If Bosh leaves, Toronto has a solid component to build around for the future. NEXT YEAR: if they keep Chris Bosh, this should be a playoff team in 2010.

Brandon Jennings appears poised to excel for the Bucks (Credit: ESPN)

#10    Milwaukee Bucks        Brandon Jennings        Grade: B-
It will be interesting to listen, watch, and read about how coach Scott Skiles and his new point guard get along. It could be like dynamite and nitro glycerin. With Richard Jefferson gone, and rumors of Luke Ridnour being on the block, Jennings and Ramon Sessions will form the nucleus of a young Bucks backcourt. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Terrence Williams joins a crowded backcourt in New Jersey (Credit: ESPN)

#11    New Jersey Nets        Terrence Williams        Grade: B
Williams will fit into a young backcourt rotation of Devon Harris, Chris Douglas-Roberts, and Courtney Lee now that Vince Carter is headed to Orlando. If he learns to be consistent as a pro he will be fun to watch. It is a safe bet New Jersey might hold a higher pick in next years draft with their youth movement officially set in motion. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Michael Jordan drafted archrival school Duke's Henderson (Credit: ESPN)

#12    Charlotte Bobcats        Gerald Henderson        Grade: C-
Wow, Michael Jordan drafted a Dukie. At least he didn’t draft fellow UNC alum Tyler Hansbrough (see next pick). Henderson is super-athletic a very good defensive player. Will need to develop more of an offensive game or he could become the next Bruce Bowen (minus the corner three). Weird pick with Earl Clark still on the board. NEXT YEAR: they’ll be a better team, but back to the lottery.

Indiana failed heinously selecting Tyler Hansbrough (Credit: ESPN)

#13    Indiana Pacers            Tyler Hansbrough        Grade: F*
Hansbrough might be a tough guy—a blue-collar worker whom Indiana fans will appreciate—but he appears to be a man without a position in the NBA. Lacks the foot speed and athleticism to succeed at this level. Indiana blew it. This organization already misses Donnie Walsh. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

*F grade due to who was selected at pick #14.

Brandon Jennings stepped in late on behalf the 14th pick Earl Clark (Credit: ESPN)

#14    Phoenix Suns            Earl Clarke            Grade:  A
The Suns are obviously in a rebuilding mode. Earl Clark is a shooting guard in a big man’s body and will give the team versatility. Good ball handler for his size (like a right-handed Lamar Odom). Needs to improve his range. If the rumors about his lack of work ethic prove unfounded, Phoenix could have the steal of the 2009 NBA Draft. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

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The division featuring the 2008-09 NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers will have other teams in the division seeking out immediate help to contend during the 2009-10 season. Look out for a healthy Los Angeles Clippers roster with Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon leading the way to contend this season as the best in the west.

Yup, we said it. The Clippers.

Griffin will make an immediate impact in the NBA (Credit: northwesternwins.com)

Los Angeles Lakers (65-17)     The Lakers could lose Lamar Odom, and Trevor Ariza to free agency. Although highly unlikely, it is a possibility. The only real weakness the defending champs will have is depth at point guard.  Jordan Farmar has not proven his worth as a long-term solution. Look for LA to see what is left on the table with the 29th pick. Perhaps they will stay local and draft another UCLA alum in Darren Collison. If not, they would need to go for the best available player like Marcus Thornton.

Phoenix Suns (46-36)    With a team full of veterans and no room on the roster, we suggest you keep your eyes on the trade market as with only $7 Million of salary on Goran Dragic, Jared Dudley, Robin Lopez, Louis Amundson and Alando Tucker,  With Dragic expected to see an increase in tim t his year, It might be a stretch, but Chase Budinger would be a nice local fit after playing down at the road at Arizona last season.  If not Budinger, perhaps James Johnson is another suitable option at SF.

Jennings has 1 year of pro experience in Europe. (Credit: Rueters)

Golden State Warriors (29-53)    The Warriors are at a crossroads. Their most glaring need is a true point guard. Monta Ellis is supposed to be their 1, but he is absolutely a pure 2 in a 1’s body.  Even though Ellis was promised by management a PG would not be drafted, look for the Warriors to select either Brandon Jennings, Jonny Flynn or Stephen Curry. Curry would fit into Nelsons offense almost immediately. If the Warriors draft Curry, watch out for trades coming out of Oakland in the immediate future.

Los Angeles Clippers (19-63)    This is a no brain decision. Blake Griffin. Look forward to having two franchises in Los Angeles at the top of this division very soon. With Eric Gordon having starters minutes and a healthy roster from the start of the year, look out for Blake Griffin and the Clippers

RIcky Rubio is a hot NBA draft commodity (Credit: panaramio.com)

Sacramento Kings (17-65)    The Kings need one position desperately filled in the Sactramento: a solid PG. If  not available with the 4th overall pick, it is within reason to see the Kings making draft day moves to secure Ricky Rubio as their long term investment at PGs. If Rubio is not available,  look for Jonny Flynn, Brandon Jennings, and as a long shot we have Jeff Teague.

If you have not heard of Ricky Rubio by now one must wonder where on earth you live. Rubio is the Spanish teenager whom pundits deem to be the second overall draft pick (some proclaim top five) who showcased his vast array of skills during the 2008 Summer Olympics Gold Medal Game vs Team USA in Beijing. He is compared to NBA legend Pistol Pete for his resemblance and confidence, as well as his undeniable basketball IQ.

Rubio will make 54 times more his salary in the NBA (AP)

Rubio is currently under contract with DKV Joventut of Badalona, Spain in the FIBA Euroleague. His currently salary is 125,000 Euros next season (about $175,000), which is what some NBA players make in a single game. DKV Joventut is demanding in the whereabouts of 4.75 million Euro (approximately $6.6 million) to buy out of his contract.  This is buyout demand is 54 times his current salary.

I have to interject now that in the NBA teams negotiate a player to receive less of their salary for a buyout.  In the  FIBA Euroleague,  teams make the players pay them. It appears eminent that Rubio will indeed have to take this settlement to a Spanish court for arbitration. Imagine that… suing your team to be let go? What do you think Stephon Marbury would comment on this issue? Hmm,True. He would probably be lucid and incoherent, as he usually is.

But honestly who can blame Ricky Rubio for wanting to go to the main stage of basketball that is the NBA? He could possibly earn his entire DKV Joventut salary by playing in a handful of NBA games. Here is a breakdown of salary from last years draft:

If Ricky Rubio is selected third (odds are Memphis will have to skip on him or trade down as Players from Spain playing in  Memphis does not work- just ask Pau Gasol or sharp shooter Juan Carlos Navarro) he would average $43, 851 per game. After the final buzzer of Ricky  Rubio’s fourth ever NBA game he would have already surpassed his salary playing an entire season for DKV Joventut. This makes sense to this blogger as to why he should make the leap.

Besides, from what I have seen and heard this kid is pretty talented. He had a hell of a game against team USA in the Gold Medal game. He was only 17 years old at the time. Now Rubio is going on 19, slated to be a top 5 NBA lottery draft selection, and if he receives the right nurturing in the right NBA system, Team USA might have something to be concerned about during the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Let the Ricky Rubio buyout extravaganza begin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!