As expected, the Minnesota Timberwolves have picked up the fourth year options on Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams contract’s, the team announced today.
It’s been speculated the third year players would both be picked up to avoid unnecessary bidding wars with another team once they hit free agency.
Rubio, who’s career is finally on track, was excited about the news.
“@Twolves_PR: #Twolves officially announce the team has picked up fourth year options for @rickyrubio9 and @RealDwill7” yessir!!!!!
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) October 26, 2013
Everything in Minny seems perfect now, but things weren’t always that way in the Twin Cities.
After being drafted fifth overall by the Wolves in 2009, red flags were immediately raised.
It was suspected Rubio didn’t want to play in Minnesota because of the lousy team and the frigid weather.
Just after being drafted, Rubio’s father stated to a Spanish media outlet that his son would be staying in Spain for one more season. The following offseason a similar announcement about Rubio staying overseas to play with Barcelona was made.
The point guard finally began playing with the Wolves in the 2011-2012 season. After putting up impressive numbers in the first half of the season, Rubio found himself out of the Timberwolves lineup again, this time it wasn’t by choice.
During a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in March of 2012, Rubio suffered a knee injury that would later be revealed as a torn ACL.
With only 41 NBA games under his belt, concern about his future in Minnesota was put in question again. After missing nine months with injury, Rubio returned to action in December of 2012.
Since the return, Rubio has become a leader on the team. Averaging 10.7 points, 7.3 assists and 2.4 steals per game, it appears he’s found his niche in the league.