Bob Collins
News flash: He loves us. He really loves us!
Or at least he doesn’t hate us that much. Just before he was selected in the NBA rookie draft last month, Spanish basketball star Ricky Rubio committed the cardinal Minnesota sin: He pointed out our flaws, saying it’s “too cold” here. Never mind that most of us think the same thing. But outsiders aren’t allowed the privilege.
But ESPN reported a few weeks ago that Rubio’s reluctance to come to Minnesota wasn’t about the cold. He just didn’t want to be here.
When the Timberwolves presented their first-round draft choices to the media, Rubio didn’t show.
Today comes word, however, that Timberwolves GM David Kahn is heading to Spain, to talk about buying out Rubio’s contract with his Spanish professional team.
The real story, however, is buried in the story.
Rubio “is OK with playing in Minnesota,” a source said. “It’s a matter of getting the buyout done.”
Just “OK”? That’s a start. Players who don’t love it here bring out the dark side of the Minnesota sports fan.
