“My NBA Days Are Coming to an End!” Was Ricky Rubio Worth The Wait? Stunted Growth

[@stuntedgrowth]

Still can't believe Minnesota made that big of a mistake. I would say twice, but I think Rubio and Steph would've been great! When they went Jonny Flynn I knew they didn't know what they were doing.

[@raphael9783]

In our defense, though there's no defending David Kahn. There's not a single person that knew Curry would grow to be what he is nor where the league was going. If they did, he would've been #1pick. In that respect, it's kind of unfair. As I watched this we said the exact same thing.

[@zeroturn7091]

In the context of things, positionless basketball didn’t exist. Curry was still learning the 1, and wasn’t a sure thing. Just like Lavine (later moved to his natural position at the 2) and Westbrook did later. Another point with Rubio is his buyout was shaky. Flynn was projected to come in day one, and Rubio when his contract ran out if the buyout was unsuccessful. Once Rubio was on the roster, and played as advertised Flynn could’ve been packaged in a trade. Hip injuries to Flynn, and successful negotiations with bringing in Rubio is why it flopped.

[@neilbryanbucsit197]

I would've paired him with DeRozan if I was the one doing the draft

[@liandalmam7880]

😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😅😅😅😅😊

[@prophecy9521]

Back to back point guards in the first round is crazy 😂

[@6oingnorth]

Ricky has played 12 years in the league, there's not a lot of other Spanish players out there who has done that outside of the Gasol brothers and Jose Calderon. The problem with Rubio is that he started playing pro at 14, making him this his 18th year at just 32. That ACL tear last year really took its toll. On top of that, he's expressed he wanted to be around his kid as he starts going to school in Spain so opting to play there instead of the NBA would make sense for him.

[@Chevvvvv]

You made a fantastic point of it really being his 18th year. So many miles on his body already!

[@rooseveltdarbey9493]

He was like Rajon Rondo who got better because Rondo played with Superstars that elevated his game. That's what Rubio should have done played with Superstars, like Wade, Garnett, Duncan, Kobe etc.

[@6oingnorth]

Man this is a great point. Rondo on championship teams while Rubio making Nikola Pekovic look like a beast lmao

[@boozywoozy73]

I felt Rubio played in da wrong era. If he would've played in da 80's 90's or early 00's. He would had a better career where the pace of the game is slowed down and PG was more passive & floor generals.

[@Rieky22]

Nah he could’ve thrive he just couldn’t shoot or finish at the basket

[@JoseGarcia-th3fb]

Still a Point God for Team Spain

[@LloydxMcfly]

John Stockton

[@sorinn7894]

Nope if he could shoot then would’ve been an all star

[@jelaniwooten9245]

Wrong era lol he’d still be an afterthought😂😂😂

[@ethanuy2261]

Imagined if Ricky with a consistent jumpshot he’d be perennial all star.

[@jelaniwooten9245]

🧢 I would like to have Damian lillard or something than Rubio w a jumper

[@prophecy9521]

@@jelaniwooten9245 that’s not a diss Dame is gonna end up an all-time PG talent wise when it’s said and done. Ricky just wasn’t built to be a star in the NBA.

[@justdope1963]

This guy showed game playing against the a US national team led by Kobe Bryant....At age 16! He's one of the greatest teenaged players ever for sure. He could pick the pocket of superstars when he was still a kid. To me his shot and finishing at the rim was always what held him back. His court vision along with his disruptive defense has always been outstanding.

[@fredrickwilliams6046]

Can you do a 'Stunted Growth' on Austin Daye? I remember him playing for Gonzaga, and the Detroit Pistons. I knew he was a good player, yet he was drafted so high at number 15, in 2009. and he won a ring with the San Antonio Spurs in the 2014-2015.

[@eastside3135]

Detroit native here, he was drafted ln the wrong era to a team who didn’t know how to utilize him.. He would’ve been similar to a Cam Johnson in todays NBA

[@fredrickwilliams6046]

@@eastside3135 I couldn't agree more, Daye looked so lost with the Pistons, and had no clue how to fit into their system.

[@dougefresh8029]

In those days the pistons didn’t have a system coming out of the Wallace brothers prince chauncey rip years.

[@speachless88]

I've been a basketball fanatic since 92' and I've studied every team for 31 years and I've completely forgotten this player. Was he bad or am I old? Or both

[@dougefresh8029]

@@speachless88 to be fair the mid late 2000s pistons early 2010s pistons was very forgettable. Probably for your mental health you forgot about those squads

[@8301TheJMan]

Just cuz a guy didn't become a score-first PG, doesn't mean he underachieved. He was a traditional pass-first pg who still put up double figs in scoring along side nearly 10 assists a game fore his first 6 seasons in the league, (not to mention nearly two steals a game). Statistically speaking, those are great pg numbers and woulda been considered a great pg if he had come out a decade earlier, back when PG's still did what they were supposed to do - distribute the ball, be a floor-general, play tight perimeter defense, and score when needed.

[@JoseGarcia-th3fb]

Would you say my boy Ricky underated

[@rooseveltdarbey9493]

He was like a Rondo a player who was a facilitator, Rondo played with Superstars that elevated his game. Rubio needs to do the same thing.

[@Chris1200923]

he did objectively underacheive for his draft pick, overall hype and projections. stop bieng bias. OP literally said he wasnt a bust, he was just okay. which he was. also he never said he needed to become a “score first pg” or to take more shots to be considered elite. literally all he said was his jumper was inconsistent and mediocre from 3 and even midrange. facts are facts and rubio underachieved homie

[@jelaniwooten9245]

Rubio is not that guy never was

[@johndavis9321]

​@@jelaniwooten9245cap rubio was a borderline top 10 pg in utah

[@sosmooth13]

Rubio makes me appreciate Doncic even more. When I was in high school I remember the hype surrounding this guy VERY clearly. It was around the time when I started taking basketball a bit more seriously too. So watching someone who was only just a couple years older than me make it, had me wondering why, and how. I started watching players like him, magic, Nash, and Pete Maravich since I started becoming a pass-first guard. Doncic however, has proven to me why he was worth every bit of the hype he got and more so than Rubio. Don’t think I’ve ever seen a Euro player live up to expectations the way he has.

[@dme1236]

When Rubio Came To The NBA Him And Kevin Love Was Goin Crazy That ACL Injury In That First Year Made His Average Athletcism Go To Below Average. He Would’ve Been All Star If He Wasnt For Those Knee Injuries.

[@sonik6892]

Rubio didn't live up to the hype but he still was a great traditional pg. It really showed in FIBA competition. I loved to watch him play

[@KobaniacMinded]

His double behind the back was vicious 1 of the most underrated handles in nba history

[@jelaniwooten9245]

You should see Steph’s

[@Jackfargo91]

He's always been pretty solid, he was playing really good with the Cavs till he blew his knee out again

[@dsp_91]

Fully agreed

[@Jackfargo91]

@@dsp_91 if he had any kinda jumper he probably would have made a couple all star games at least

[@RE1GN_BLOOD]

Rubio’s defense was underrated too. His Achilles heel though was his shooting although it did get better. I always liked his game and feel like he had a pretty solid career.

[@kayamerrick3907]

His defense is what I remember vs The U.S.A. Dude was 17 and nabbing steals from all star pg’s. Wierd how Stunted doesn’t mention that but emphasizes everything else.

[@johndavis9321]

Facts Rubio's defense is criminally underrated

[@Gvvenk]

I am confused in how he just didn’t mention the biggest stunt to Rubio’s career. How do you overlook the ACL tear?

[@Seattlefan77]

His defense was always overrated actually. When you watch him play you see he was on skates.

[@RE1GN_BLOOD]

@@Seattlefan77 he averaged over two steals four times though. His defense kept him in the league essentially

[@VersatileG1]

I really enjoy your videos. I watch everyone now! Keep up the great work brother.

[@constablekennedy7705]

Congratulations to the Denver Nuggets 🏆. 🏀

[@dpruitt1458]

Weakest championship ever

[@zeroturn7091]

@@dpruitt1458naw, call it what it is. This is the weakest era of Centers ever.

[@AggravatedMan365]

​@@dpruitt1458Guess the bubble never existed 😂

[@Tree372000]

@@dpruitt1458 don't be a hater that's a good look on ya

[@SportsOnAirPH]

Ralph Sampson, the first NBA Unicorn and Victor Wembanyama comparison next please!

[@itachi019]

The hype was unreal for him. I loved his passing the rest of his game was just unable to catch up to it

[@JoseGarcia-th3fb]

My favorite player Because of his traditional Pg style of play And European style oh and his magical passes Ricky whe miss you in Utah

[@thebestcentaur]

I remember the hype around this guy. He never seemed like a superstar type to me, but he had a ton of consistency, which is pretty difficult to do at the highest level. I personally think his old school game was a breath of fresh air, but he should have been much faster to really leave a lasting impression. Dude lasted over a decade, and maybe never came close to winning anything of note, but that's to be expected when you see the clubs he played for. I wouldn't call him a bust either, but considering who went two picks after him, his NBA career is definitely incredibly disappointing in comparison.

[@christophermoody6840]

He was supposed to be the fist Luka... Except Luka was was the first Luka. A young phenome from Europe at the point guard position.

[@christophercorders6526]

Nothing wrong with Rubio's other than the fact he wasn't athletic and couldn't shoot. Old school or fundamental feel for the game isn't a deal breaker. Matter of fact, more players should do so while training to become more athletic.

[@bryanb8868]

Luka Doncic is what people expected Rubio to be but to be effective as that slow pace you need to be 6”7 minimum

[@jessearias2863]

Stunned jc but still has one of the coolest names of all time.

[@word-is-bondboxing890]

Love the videos brother.

[@stuntedgrowth]

Thank you.

[@ruggerREL]

He couldn’t get to the cup at a all star level or knock it down but everything else was damn good

[@jessekauffman3336]

The game will revert back to what it was before teams went crazy with the 3 point shot.

[@roncolem4558]

Rubio looks like the Spanish version of the late martial arts movie star Alexander Fu Sheng lol!!

[@HBTSO]

That injury killed him off

[@ajhaynes8204]

@stuntedgrowth... Can you do a doc on Allen Ray from Villnova. Randy Foye and Kyle Lowry's teammate.

[@imanuelbrooks8402]

Part of deep 09 class. Do Jeff Teague next

[@neilbryanbucsit197]

If he didnt injure his ACL earlier in his career he would have had a better career with a few all star appearances but still even with that injury he still made a positive impact wherever team he goes and lets not forget his time with the Jazz and him destroying Westbrook in the playoffs... One of my favorite players to play the game

[@Gvvenk]

How he didn’t mention it in the vid is beyond me? He was never the same after that. Turning pro at young age hurt him badly.

[@bradleystraley6165]

I always thought Rubio and Curry woulda been a great pairing. That Flynn pick is the one that still shocks me to this day

[@rickymedina4428]

Mitch mcgary from uofm again would be a good episode! Was once number 1 recruit in 2012 but stock dropped a little bit that year ! Forced to enter nba draft after failing drug tests and kicked out of nba for Marijuana use ! Never played ball again

[@himgod6495]

Well, actually, in his early years with the wolves, he was an above average defender and his ball handling is UNDERATED

[@savel-oe3lx]

Tyreke Evans was raw R.O.Y.

[@seouleshoes]

I usually like your videos, but honestly think you were tripping on this one haha. I don't think you even mentioned his 2012 ACL injury (which you had play in that clip with him and Kobe hitting knees. And as we know, those kinds of injuries at the time were not as easy as they are now to come back from.) You don't think that contributed to a lack of athleticism at all? He was coming into the league as a 6'3/6'4 PG with solid speed, great passing, and two way ability as a good defender. I get hindsight is 20/20, bu I think he was definitely the better prospect than Curry was at that time (As much as I like Johnny Flynn, that's the only debatable one I feel like, of the Wolves drafting those two players.)

[@kayamerrick3907]

Agreed.

[@DressCode2005]

Correction SG, hate him or love him Skip Bayless DID say take the young buck from Davidson Number 1 overall. He was the only one I remember, pompoming for Steph to be the number 1 pick over Blake Griffen.

[@dougefresh8029]

He didn’t know what he was talking about just trying to create controversy as usual. Blake was the clear pick at number one that year even with hindsight. Even a donkey shits in a basket once a day or whatever that saying is. Basically even dumb gets it right once ina while

[@dougefresh8029]

If I remember correctly the controversy was at two where people thought Ricky Rubio was the consensus number two but because he was staying in Spain for another 2? Years he “dropped”

[@willclinton468]

I think Ricky Rubio had a lot to do with Luka having so many doubters when he cane to the league

[@Holycheepchit]

In the very beginning of the video I thought high alert was activating... lmmfao

[@jonsheldon69]

I felt like he would if had a better career if he had stayed in Europe...some where his game is more polished for..

[@savel-oe3lx]

Wow 4 point guards picked b4 Steph!! Thx Oaktown love you

[@CashCollecta]

Do a stunted growth on Andrew Bynum I thought that dude would have been solid for years but flamed out quickly

[@coryharton]

I remember when the Minnesota timberwolves drafted both Ricky Rubio & Jonny Flynn in the first draft 😂 Kevin Love tweeted wtf is my team doing.

[@damalgriffin-neil9472]

ESPN talking heads said he was the next "Pistol Pete" lol

[@therealkflo..]

@9:37 wow looking back on it now ,that Timberwolves squad had more busts then the hall of fame & hooters put together 😂

[@highlightboy23]

Wait, I saw Anthony Randolph and I immediately remembered Lamar Odom complimenting him as the next great player but he did not pan out despite his physical tools and potential. Please make one for him Stunted Growth.

[@goldenboyx92]

Terrence Morris. The former Maryland prodigy. Where did he go?????

[@ChillydontCap]

Can you do one on Rasheed Wallace. That was my dude. "Ball Don't Lie" baby!!!

[@DiorInEveryStore]

As crazy as this sounds hes still a hall of famer😂

[@sonik6892]

Well he's better than every oldhead HOFer who played in the 60's 🤣

[@MrTonyJ]

This reminded me of Carlos Arroyo. Can you do one on him?

[@jamesalcantara4217]

Bro could you do Raef LaFrentz/ Elton Brand. More power to your channel.

[@rafenzo03]

can you do Gordon Hayward? Thanks bro

[@zeroturn7091]

Thought that he’d have a Kidd type of career, damn.

[@dtgtentoe8467]

If he could shoot the ball his weird movement wouldn’t have mattered 💯

[@normanrodriguez6670]

Rubio was a solid pass-first guard, but had very poor shooting from the floor and from 3 point land

[@mizzy412]

He would have thrived under Mike D. In that run & gun system

[@sonik6892]

Yeap he could be Steve Nash 2.0 under the right system. Timberwolves is one of the worst franchises to get drafted too also

[@explorewithme4707]

Not a bust but definitely didn’t fulfill his potential. He was a solid classic style PG.

[@jumpy2xstreaming]

He is, he’s what I like to call a soft bust. He had a decent career, just nothing special especially at 5 tho you need an all star appearance to not be considered a bust every top 5 player should have SUPERSTAR potential.

[@johntheprofessional5039]

I stand convicted! I thought Johnny Flynn and Rubio were going to be a dangerous backcourt for at least a decade.

[@johndavis9321]

I think if Flynn didn't get hurt the two of them together definitely could have done something's no cap

[@Ron78ification]

Brandon Jennings called Out Early Cause He was overseas and both of them came off the bench and Rubio train was ridiculous

[@tylerbray7014]

Can you do one on Danillo galinari

[@basketballlife5280]

crazy but true fact : Rubio was the 1st player born in the 1990's to ever be drafted into the NBA.

[@gmon3y46]

Need a update now

[@LloydxMcfly]

Modern Day John Stockton

[@neilbryanbucsit197]

In your stunt #1 you do realize that Rubio tore his ACL in his rookie year right?

[@pineapplegritz7281]

Noooooooooooooooo!!!! Don't do Ricky like this!!!! He still my guy

[@tylerjamal4137]

Do Jamal Crawford sir

[@redwolf8135]

Luke Recker would be great.

[@thescatman5029]

1) Dude had Pistol Pete passing skills. It was HARD to pass up a cat like that! 2) Dag, the fact that wizard-pass point guards are now outdated! Who would've thunk it! 3) You referenced Oly 2008. But if Spain has him, in 2012, that Oly Final v. the US might have a different outcome! Spain was giving the US fits, that game!

[@BayPawLobeezy_World]

To be honest all these overseas players who been playing since they was 15 16 years old dont last long they have a lot of wear and tere. Lets see how long Luka last.

[@savel-oe3lx]

N what team takes 2 pt guards??

[@ajjenkins5273]

N there were ppl who thought Steph was gone be wat he is today I def did

[@amancalledhawk5575]

I feel like he never had the right coach I think if he was with D’Antoni it could have worked I’m not saying he would have won a chip but definitely had been a all Star possibly

[@joebruce4826]

This one stings

[@Afrocentricpoet]

I dnt think his growth was stunted at all.the man has played over a decade in the NBA. Folks need to stop comparing him to Mr. Curry. I think it's Flynn who had the stunted growth not rubio.

[@artyclay9874]

If Rubio could’ve got with the spurs he would’ve took off..

[@T.H.E.O.R.Y.]

I remember when they gave Rubio that money over K Love...

[@eksit101]

I'd hate to tell you but kuchoch (bulls) & petrovich+ kings dudes dad all hyped same way years before.....

[@adeadcommunistisagoodcommunist]

Skip Bayless wants Steph Curry to be picked #1 even back then

[@tylerjamal4137]

What about some flowers to Jamal Crawford

[@KitanaiharE]

Nobody saw Steph becoming what he became. Cmon yall

[@fightincodenames481]

Fantastic honest look into Rubio. I was on the Rubio hype train back in the day. T wolves just a garbage franchise.

[@Stogiegng]

Did you make one for Brandon Jennings yet ? If not that would be really interesting especially considering I’m from Milwaukee 🤙🏽

[@vicetea86]

yeah I dunno why he was so super hyped, him and Jennings at that time were sooooooo hyped up ,when it was obvious they were good ,but nothing amazing. Though aside from a few people I don't think he was all that hyped ,he was known for amazing passes. Jennings was known for points they were both undersized and 1 dimensional.

[@KELLSTHRAXX]

O.J Mayo please

[@jovangrant6053]

Jan Vesely plz.

[@zw6980]

His meh shooting is what prevented him from becoming elite

[@RjsCKiwi]

👍🙏❤️✌️

[@savel-oe3lx]

Got picked b4 Steph thanks ta God GSW Hoop all Day

[@ijayrizzy3116]

Ricky Rubio is better than Ben Simmons.

[@cmayy8317]

John 8:36❤Jesus Christ is love 😊

[@jcchambers7896]

James harden gave this man hell on them isos in Houston 😂😂😂 jazz had to get em outta there

[@sonik6892]

At the time nobody could check Harden 1 v 1 so that don't tell much

[@savel-oe3lx]

Wow what if Oaktown ain't get Curry??

[@willismartin9196]

Never should anyone br compared to Pistol Pete, ok ?!!!

[@ry_an.]

career 39% shooter. cant hit a jumpshot at PG is a death sentence

[@rapperodebarrio]

Black born in spain here,there was couple of season were the whole legue was against him kind of…hard faults and shit…

[@lilcourtny08]

Nobody was against in the NBA, Rubio was overrated and should have never been picked before Steph Curry

[@rapperodebarrio]

@@lilcourtny08 2 truths ain’t making a lie

[@santosjones6186]

WHO CARES PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RICKY RUBIO GOT HIS BAG PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[@justinmunson1412]

How bad would Minnesota have stunted Steph’s career?

[@justinmunson1412]

That franchise ruins young talent

[@justinmunson1412]

It matters so much where someone has to start their professional career. They are still young and learning how to be an adult

[@justinmunson1412]

Some franchises are just stunted growth for players

[@kayamerrick3907]

Man, this video just rubbed me the wrong way. You point out his stats vs The U.S but don’t mention his defense against the best PG’s IN THE WORLD. Matter of fact, you make no mention of his defense at all in this video. Yeah, he didn’t live up to the hype. Who but LeBron and Luca could… love your videos, but this one isn’t it 😞 Rubio was a prodigy, and I’m sorry, he had a solid NBA career and his stats - 10 pts, 4 rbds, 7ast and 1.8stls - are more than just “okay”. Those stats garner you a 12-year career in the best League IN THE WORLD.

[@romansheoships2716]

Hes a great passer but hes not a great play maker. He struggled with his outside shot and was never the best finisher. You always knew he wanted to drop the pass off to the big man during the pick and roll