Minnesota Timberwolves rookie point guard Ricky Rubio will have an MRI on his left knee Saturday morning amid fears he tore his anterior cruciate ligament, a league source told Yahoo! Sports.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They waited for him to cross the Atlantic Ocean and suit up in The Frozen Tundra of ’Sota.

Now there are fears Ricky Rubio, the point guard sensation and cult hero, won’t complete his first season with Minnesota due to a torn knee ligament sustained in a collision with Kobe Bryant.

Rubio’s MRI test is this weekend, which means the Timberwolves’ renaissance season could soon go down the toilet.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Wolves owner Glen Taylor said the team has already informed or is informing president of basketball operations David Kahn that it has picked up Kahn's option for next season.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Not long ago, it seemed unlikely David Kahn would return to the Minnesota Timberwolves' front office.

In fact, Kahn was a league-wide laughingstock. Somewhere between the depths of Isiah Thomas and incompetence of Stu Jackson.
 
After all, he spent months waffling on whether to fire or keep Coach Kurt Rambis, even asking the former Laker to produce a homework assignment before ultimately giving him the pink-slip.

Kevin Love was unsure about inking an extension, while nobody knew if Ricky Rubio was worth the two-year wait and fifth overall pick in the draft lottery.  

Yet, somehow, it worked. Rick Adelman brought stability to the sideline. Love, in large part because of his weight loss, took another step in the superstar pecking order. And Rubio lived up to expectations before sustaining a season-ending injury.

The Timberwolves were relevant for most of 2012 and in the playoff hunt for large stretches of the season. So Kahn deserves to be back in 2013. Who knows what happens next, though?

The former media scribe signed a three year deal in 2009 with two additional options for 2013 and 2014. All bets could be off if the Timberwolves fail to qualify for the playoffs next year.

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Ricky Rubio teaches you his signature moves that made him one of the top young point guards in the NBA.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Rubio proved in 2012 he is legit and his moves are too.

Looking at the current NBA player injury report, it almost seems like every team is missing one (or in some unfortunate cases, a few) key players.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Injuries certainly aren't ideal, but every team has to deal with them.

Here are few that are currently being dealt with:

Avery Bradley, shoulder, Boston Celtics

According to reports, Bradley will be out for another few weeks, at least until mid-December.  While he's currently traveling with the team and working on his jump shot during warmups, he is not participating in full contact drills.  The Celtics can't wait to get Bradley back, as he's earned a reputation for being an extremely talented perimeter defender.

Derrick Rose, knee, Chicago Bulls

After suffering that gruesome slash heartbreaking knee injury in the first round of the playoffs last year, (an injury that essentially took them out of NBA Finals contention), Rose is still in recovery mode.  He's set to return mid-January but due to the nature of his injury, will take more time to heal if necessary.  As much as the Bulls want their franchise player back in the lineup, they are not going to rush his recovery.  The good news is Rose just recently began cutting in practice.  The bad news is, with Rose out this season, the Bulls are below .500 at 6-7.

Kyrie Irving, finger, Cleveland Cavaliers

We all remember the freak accident that resulted in a broken hand for Irving earlier this preseason.  If you don't, he made an errant pass in a game, was mad at himself, and punched a wall.  We've all been there, right?  Well, unfortunately, a freak accident found him with a broken finger recently and will have him out until late December.  "Freak injury, minor setback but ill be back soon everybody, Love the support" Irving tweeted.

Dirk Nowitzki, knee, Dallas Mavericks

The three point shooting seven footer, who hasn't played in a game yet this season, will continue to be a spectator for another few weeks due to a knee injury.  Dirk is set to make his return to the lineup sometime in mid-December and Mavs owner Mark Cuban probably can't wait given the fact Nowitzki averaged more than 21 points per game last year.

Danny Granger, knee, Indiana Pacers

There's no question this injury hurts Indiana; Granger was the Pacers leading scorer before being sidelined after having an injection three weeks ago to treat patellar tendinosis.  The Pacers better get used to life without Granger, as he isn't scheduled to return until mid-February.

Chauncey Billups, achilles, Los Angeles Clippers

By the way the Clippers have been playing, you might not have even noticed they've been balling without Chauncey Billups in the lineup.  Chauncey is almost done rehabbing an injured achilles and is planning on being back in action mid-December which means the Clips are about to get even better.  I'm sure in the meantime, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will continue to have everything under control.

Steve Nash, leg, Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers probably didn't foresee Steve Nash getting injured within the first few games of the season when they traded for him a few months back.  Then again, the 38 year old is getting any younger.  Nash is set to return by mid-December and knowing how much the veteran point guard will help their team, the Lakers can't wait.  "When Steve comes back, things will change.  You have one of the greatest point guards of all times that you're missing out of the lineup.  It changes things," said superstar teammate Kobe Bryant.  Even new Lakers coach, Mike D'Antoni, who coached Nash for many years in Phoenix highlighted his importance in the lineup.  "In Phoenix, we couldn't win without him," D'Antoni admitted.

Shane Battier, knee, Miami Heat

While Battier might not be one of the most talked about players on the Miami Heat, no one doubts his immense contribution night in-night out.  Battier is an amazing defender and hits the open three.  Thankfully to his teammates, his recent knee injury will only have him missing a few games; Battier should be back early to mid-December.

Chase Budinger, Brandon Roy, Ricky Rubio, all knee injuries, Minnesota Timberwolves

At this point, it's almost as if you should be careful going to play in Minnesota because you might hurt your knee.  All three players, Budinger, Roy and Rubio are currently sidelined with versions of knee injuries.  Budinger will be out until March but thankfully, Roy and Rubio should return mid-December.  Let's hope.

Amare Stoudemire, Baron Davis, knee injuries, New York Knicks

It's pretty amazing how well the Knicks have been playing with Carmelo Anthony at the helm and Stoudemire and Davis both out with injuries.  Davis will unfortunately be out for the season but Stoudemire is set to return mid-December.  How will the Knicks work Stoudemire into the rotation when the team is 9-4 without him?  It will definitely be interesting to see what happens with Amare on the court.

Andrew Bynum, knee, Philadelphia 76ers

Just when I thought Bynum would go to Philadelphia and grow into the best center in the league, he injured his knee.  Again.  And then he went bowling, and got injured again.  He's got all of the talent in the world but can't seem to stay healthy.  Barring any further bowling incidents, a healthy Bynum will be in the lineup by the end of December.  Fingers crossed, Philadelphians.

John Wall, knee, Washington Wizards

If there's one team in the NBA who truly cannot afford an injury right now, it's the Wizards.  They are currently 0-12 and their star player, Wall, is sitting on the bench with knee injury.  The good news?  Wall is supposed to be back by the end of this month and there's only one way for the Wizards to go from here.

Anthony Davis, ankle, New Orleans Hornets

A stress fracture in Davis' ankle isn't helping the Hornets one bit.  The team is currently 3-9 on the season.  Davis played the first six games and put up huge numbers, averaging 16 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.  Pretty remarkable for a freshman.  What's also remarkable is how much of an impact he's had because the Hornets haven't won without him.  Since his injury, they are 0-6.  Davis is said to be out until mid-December.

Ricky Rubio may finally be back in action.

HoopVibe Very Quick Call: T-Wolves are finally close to full strength.

The Los Angeles Lakers have waited long enough for Steve Nash's return and it's been reported that the wait is almost over.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  As great of a point guard Nash is, I'm not sure he's going to be the Lakers' savior this season.

HoopsVibe's Breaking Down The NBA Blog regularly provides a snapshot of the best NBA stories you should be reading from the three dubyas. We call it Best of the Web ...

"They're (the Minnesota Timberwolves) going to be a really good team," James said. "If it's not this year, soon."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: There's good news. And there's bad news.

The good: LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are right that the Minnesota Timberwolves absolutely have the talent to compete in the Western Conference.

After all, JJ Barea, Mike Beasley, Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio, and Derrick Williams are young, skilled, and dynamic.

Now the bad: good organizations have direction from the top creating a trickle down effect. To contend, not just compete, the Timberwolves need direction from ownership and the front office.

Unfortunately, the Minnesota franchise is owned by Glen Taylor, who is one of the worst owners in sports.

For instance, Taylor couldn’t provide Hall of Fame post Kevin Garnett with a supporting cast, chased The Big Ticket out of town, empowered Kevin McHale who fired defensive guru Dwyane Casey after forty games, and, worst of all, hired David Kahn as GM.

Speaking of Kahn, he has yet to prove he can manage. Sure, he has drafted well, but the former reporter looked unprofessional when he let former coach Kurt Rambis languish for months.

James and Wade are correct -the Wolves have talent. Sadly, talent isn't enough.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Wolves didn’t do much in the 2009-2010 season. They kept losing and lost Al Jefferson, too. Point guard Jonny Flynn had the chance to solidify the position for years to come, but made the fan base look forward to Ricky Rubio’s arrival. He had a solid rookie season with 13.5 points and 4.4 assists. That’s fine and dandy although the Wolves are looking for a star. They are not looking for fine and dandy.

Rick Adelman is definitely interested in #Wolves job, from great source, he has made calls to line up potential assistants.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It would appear the Timberwolves have their coach. Most importantly, it would appear they have the right coach.

Reports indicate that Rick Adelman, the veteran sideline boss, is phoning contacts around the league to find assistants to join him in Minnesota.

So it would seem Adelman and Minnesota, the NBA’s one-time laughingstock, will soon make their union official. If this occurs, all parties deserve credit.

Minnesota executive David Kahn should be praised for hiring the best coach available, and avoiding the temptation to hire his former mentor in Larry Brown.

Minnesota owner Glen Taylor should be commended for meeting Adelman’s considerable salary demands while also honouring the final two years on Kurt Rambis’ pact.

Adelman could have retired, however, he opted for the challenge of turning around lowly Minnesota and developing young pieces like Mike Beasley, Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio, and Derrick Williams.

Adelman joining Minnesota would be good for all involved. Hopefully, it happens and the NBA's version of Siberia can begin a much-needed turnaround.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

(Mary Schmitt Boyer) Based on everything I'm hearing, I would be surprised if the season started before January. As for Sessions, I'm not sure if the organization has made up its mind to trade him. I think the team is intrigued by playing any two of these point guards together. If a move is made, I would expect an attempt to get more scoring and athleticism on the wings.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Once again, his spot seems at risk.

Ramon Sessions is a solid third guard and spot starter, however, he has the unfortunate habit of joining teams who are stocked in the backcourt.

For instance, he left Milwaukee because the Bucks had Brandon Jennings and Luke Ridnour at the one-spot. Minnesota deemed him expendable with Jonny Flynn, Ridnour (again), and Ricky Rubio's eventual migration from Spain.

So, the Wolves dealt him to the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers. And it seemed he finally had a home and regular minutes.

Well, wrong.

The Cavaliers acquired Baron Davis at the trade deadline, assuming the remaining two years and $29 million on his contract, while Kyrie Irving was drafted first overall and anointed The Future.

Both are point guards. It would seem Sessions will get his minutes playing next to Davis and Irving -or he won't get minutes at all.

And the Cavaliers will likely be listening to any or all offers for the nomadic guard.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe's News in the comment box below.

But I can see, especially with Derrick Williams, Ricky Rubio, Mike Beasley, Anthony Randolph and Wes Johnson—all the way down the line to Lazar Hayward and myself, we have a slew of guys that can really have a bang in this league and make moves and have a lot of success.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kevin Love is right. His Minnesota Timberwolves are young, talented, and optimistic.

For years, the Wolves have finished at the bottom of the Western Conference, allowing them to stock the cupboard with blue-chip prospects like Love, Ricky Rubio, and Derrick Williams at the NBA draft.

Unfortunately, the Wolves are poorly run. Owner Glen Taylor is a disaster. His right-hand, David Kahn, has made more missteps than the worst of  boogying ‘celebs’ on Dancing With The Stars.

For instance, Taylor and Kahn had no issue letting former head coach Kurt Rambis dangle for months, even requesting he submit a homework assignment, before finally firing him.

No doubt about it, Rambis did not meet expectations. However, Taylor and Kahn embarrassed the former Laker reserve. Worst of all, they embarrassed themselves and, by extension, the Wolves.

Their new sideline boss will be well aware of the Rambis boondoggle. Trust between the coach and GM and owner will be an issue.

The players - like Love, Rubio, Williams, and Mike Beasley - surely see their GM and owner as dysfunctional. Sooner or later, if they want to win, they’ll leave.

--Oly Sandor.

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Ricky Rubio has already signed a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the holdup keeping him from leaving Barcelona is related to his buyout agreement, multiple sources told ESPN.com. "This is just a bump in the road for (the Timberwolves)," said one source. Rubio's Spanish club won the ACB championship Tuesday, after which Rubio said: "We are talking with Barcelona and we will soon see."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Don’t assume the worst. The Prodigal Son is still coming. He’s just taking care of business first.

Ricky Rubio will join the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team that drafted him two years ago. The Spaniard is negotiating the terms of his buyout with FC Barcelona, who currently hold his rights.

Of course, it would be understandable if the worst was being assumed. Rubio crossing the Atlantic Ocean and joining Minnesota has had more delays than a Dr. Dre album.

When he arrives, there will be changes. Jonny Flynn, the Wolves other young point guard, will most certainly be moved -either to Toronto or perhaps Charlotte.

Then the hard work begins in Minnesota. Rubio, Mike Beasley, and Kevin Love will have the monumental task of righting the Wolves ship.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Yes, he will. A winding, often secretive 23-month saga over whether Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio ever will play for the Timberwolves is over. Rubio on Tuesday signed an NBA contract to play with the team next season, a league source confirmed Wednesday night to the Star Tribune.

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HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: After more delays than a Dre album, Ricky Rubio has finally crossed the Atlantic Ocean and signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Wolves drafted Rubio two years ago. But he stayed in Spain. For 23 months.

Rather than pay a multi-million dollar buyout to join the NBA`s Siberia, Rubio stayed in Spain. And the rumors flew.

Most assumed this was a ploy by the Spaniard to force a trade. And most, myself included, thought he`d never actually play for Minnesota.

Executive David Kahn was willing to wait. Rather than succumb to outside pressure, he held firm and sold Rubio on playing with budding stars like Mike Beasley and Kevin Love, the NBA`s Most Improved Player.

The hype and chatter is over. Rubio has landed state-side. And he must produce.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

David Kahn is returning as president of the Minnesota Timberwolves next season. The prospects for Kurt Rambis returning as coach aren't nearly as promising.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Only in Minnesota.

Only in Minnesota can executive David Kahn stay at the expense of Coach Kurt Rambis. Rumors suggest Kahn will keep his job as president of the Timberwolves, while Rambis will likely be pink-slipped at season’s end.

Rambis didn’t assemble the Wolves’ young, cheap, and inexperienced roster. Rambis didn’t waste a lottery selection on Jonny Flynn.

And Rambis wasn’t the one who failed to convince Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio to cross the Atlantic Ocean and play in The Frozen Tundra of ‘Sota.

It was all Kahn.

Yet Rambis will likely take the blame. Changing the coach is the easiest option –even if it isn’t right.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

As the Timberwolves limp to the 50-loss mark and beyond, it becomes a question of which number will be greater at the end of the season: Minnesota's loss total or Kevin Love's double-double streak, which reached a record 52 Wednesday night. Of far greater certainty is the status of coach Kurt Rambis, who appears to be on his way out after only two seasons.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The current state of the Minnesota Timberwolves is not Kurt Rambis’ fault.

It’s not Rambis’ fault the Wolves are the one of the NBA’s youngest teams.

It’s not Rambis’ fault the Wolves have one of the league’s lowest payrolls.

It’s not Rambis’ fault Executive David Kahn has given him a wing-heavy roster with one superstar in Kevin Love.

And it’s certainly not Rambis’ fault the Wolves have hedged their bets to Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio, who may or may not join the club two years after being drafted by Kahn in the lottery.

None of that matters, though. The rumor is that the organization is pushing to change the coach. This push is coming because Kahn knows he can’t change the players he accumulated, so he’ll change who sits on his bench.

The Wolves should consider firing Rambis –but only if they are serious about replacing him with a star sideline boss like, say, Mike Brown. Reports indicate they’re looking at an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks, Kelvin Sampson.

Sampson may eventually turn out to be a good head coach. However, the Wolves need a guy with legitimate experience as an NBA head coach. Not a guy who needs time to learn on the job.

Gambling on a rookie head coach will likely produce the same results of fifty loss seasons and annual reservations at the draft lottery in New Jersey.

And that won’t do.

-Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below. 

"I think (Minnesota) has a star in the making in Ricky Rubio," Cuban said. "We tried to trade up to get Rubio," Cuban said. "But we weren't close. We would have loved to draft him."

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe in the comment box below.

The Timberwolves are one of the teams that have called the Suns to check on the availability of Steve Nash, reports Marc Stein.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Should Minnesota Timberwolves fans laugh or cry after hearing Executive David Kahn tried to trade for the Phoenix Suns’ Steve Nash?

After all, Nash isn’t a fit for the Wolves. And the Wolves aren’t a fit for Nash. These two would be the worst match since Anna Nicole Smith married that old billionaire.

Nash is 37 years old. The two-time MVP has a limited time horizon, and will only leave the warmth of Phoenix for a contender. Not a good playoff team, but a class organization with legitimate championship aspirations.

Class and championships are words one doesn’t associate with Glen Taylor’s Wolves. And Nash may retire rather than suit up for the rebuilding Wolves.

This would actually be a positive for the Wolves, who must develop Jonny Flynn and Ricky Rubio -whenever the Euro sensation crosses the Atlantic for America.

Kahn doesn’t see it that way, though. Perhaps he’s inquiring about Nash and Anthony to prove to pending free agent Kevin Love he’s serious about upgrading the team’s talent.

However, Kahn has no chance at either superstar. And his failures only reinforce the Wolves’ inadequacies.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Minnesota GM David Kahn called a New York Times report this week on Ricky Rubio "much ado about nothing" and "not worthy of a response." An unnamed source close to Rubio indicated that the point guard wants to play for Boston, New York or Miami when he comes to the NBA. Kahn said he remains "absolutely" certain Rubio will join the Wolves next season after a buyout with his Regal Barcelona team becomes affordable.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Will Ricky Rubio sign with Minnesota? Or, will he force a trade to a larger market?

Simply put, nobody knows. And nobody should be certain. Rubio, himself, is unsure what he’ll do when he can finally afford the buyout on his contract with Regal Barcelona this summer and cross the Atlantic to the NBA.

There’s some reason to believe the Spanish teenager will start his career with the Wolves. After all, Kevin Love has blossomed into a superstar, while Michael Beasley can certainly score.

David Kahn, the club’s lead executive, seems to have built a relationship with Rubio and his representatives.

This, however, is the Timberwolves. They’re one of the league’s worst teams. They play in one of the league’s worst markets. And they have an uncommitted owner who mistreated former franchise face Kevin Garnett.

Rubio knows this. So do his people. And where begins his career will be an unknown until he signs on the dotted line.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
 

The reality is, we are still lacking a dominant player – our version of Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade or Kevin Durant – and that will remain an item at the top of the To-Do list.

It’s possible this player could emerge from within the roster.  Nearly every player on our team has his best days ahead of him.   Some could make an All-Star team during their careers and one has already become an impact player on the USA Men’s National Team in this year’s FIBA World Championships.  We also have eight players currently on the roster who were selected in the top-seven of their respective drafts:  Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, Wes Johnson, Jonny Flynn, Darko Milicic, Corey Brewer, Martell Webster and Ricky Rubio.

The average age of those eight players is 22. However, if one of our players fails to emerge, we will be prepared to find more talent for our team – and we will seek a singular move rather than a series of moves, as we did these last 14 months.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The ‘singular move’ Minnesota Timberwolves executive David Kahn mentions isn’t happening in today’s NBA.

Superstars want to play with other superstars. For instance: there’s The Three Kings in Miami; The Big Four suit up for the Boston Celtics; and Kobe Bryant and his star studded supporting cast have won consecutive championships with  the Los Angeles Lakers.

No elite player worthy of Kahn’s ‘singular move’ tag will sign with the Timberwolves, especially as a solo act. Their young supporting cast is irrelevant; superstars still remember Kevin Garnett wasting away in The Frozen Tundra of ‘Sota.

Kahn quickest way to attaining a superstar is through the draft. In fact, he may already have a potential superstar in Ricky Rubio, the club’s 2009 lottery pick.

Of course, it’s not known if Rubio is merely refining his game in Europe or refusing to play for the lowly T-Wolves.

Either way, Kahn’s job is bigger than a ‘singular move’.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

I hope we have a plan. I don't know what it is at this point. We obviously made a lot of moves, but I'm out there playing and thinking between the lines, not making decisions. I'm just trying to hope for the best and that we keep getting better as a team.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: He hasn't earned the right. Not yet anyway.

As a third-year post known for more for twittering than on-court play, Kevin Love doesn't have the superstar pedigree to bash Minnesota GM David Kahn.

In July, Kahn dealt Al Jefferson to the Utah Jazz, so Love could play the four-spot, his natural position. And Love repays the organization's loyalty with criticism that appears on CNNSI's website.

Of course, Love is also missing the point: he is The Plan. He's the leader by default. And this is his team.

His comments will set a negative tone for current and potential teammates. After all, what will the mood be at training camp? And Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio will be even more opposed to crossing the Atlantic and joining the Wolves.

Ironically, Love wants to ink an extension with Minnesota and be part of a contending team. Perhaps he should choose his words more carefully.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.   

Sessions, rumored to be on the trading block, said, "I'm a Timberwolf right now, and I expect to be one next season."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Credit Ramon Sessions for taking the high road.

One summer after signing a multi-year contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he no longer fits the club's plans.

Jonny Flynn will start at point guard. Newly signed Luke Ridnour will be the back-up. And next summer Ricky Rubio could swap the European professional circuit for the Frozen Tundra of 'Sota.

So Sessions will be traded, but still said the right things at the Timberwolves' basketball camp. He could have taken a different approach like a certain retired sharpshooter turned analyst who shall remain nameless (click video below). 

('Don't call me 3D no more.')

Expect Sessions to soon find a new home as a reserve combo guard. The former D-league star could still develop into a Vinnie Johnson, instant offense type off the bench.

And his positive, professional attitude can only help.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Timberwolves are close to signing free-agent point guard Luke Ridnour to a multiyear deal, according to league sources. The Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting that the contract is worth $16 million over four years.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Luke Ridnour is in. Ramon Sessions is apparently out.

Reports indicate the Minnesota Timberwolves are on the verge of signing Ridnour, a veteran table-setter who'd make an ideal mentor and back-up to Jonny Flynn and Ricky Rubio -provided the Spaniard ever arrives in The Frozen Tundra of 'Sota.

Landing Ridnour is a solid move; however, it's surprising how quickly the Wolves soured on Sessions. One year ago he also signed a four-year, $16 million deal to serve as the club's reserve point guard.

Something changed last season. And now something else has to change before next season.

Expect Minnesota to shop Sessions, and the Charlotte Bobcats - who wisely backed out of a deal with the Toronto Raptors for Jose Calderon - will have interest.

After all, Charlotte executive Michael Jordan has a hole to fill at the one-spot after Ray Felton signed with the New York Knicks.

So the Ridnour signing won't be the last of the Wolves' busy off-season.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below!

David Kahn admitted on Friday that he is exploring a trade of Al Jefferson and the likelihood of a trade increases if the Wolves re-sign Darko Milicic.

"It's the right time finally for us to explore this," Kahn said of a possible Jefferson trade. "I've met with Al and discussed this. If Darko comes back, there could be a need to create some playing time. We really need to get our front line settled."

Ricky Rubio is promising NBA fans they'll get to see his razzle-dazzle, but not before the 2011-12 season -- and not necessarily with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In an interview with the Associated Press, the highly rated prospect said he won't leave Spanish club Barcelona before his NBA opt-out clause comes up after next season. The Timberwolves remain his team of choice, as long as they make improvements following a season where they finished 15-67, the second-worst record in the league.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Something must have been lost in the translation from Spanish to English –like showing modesty or being humble.

This is what the Minnesota Timberwolves must be hoping for, after their Spanish point guard prospect, Ricky Rubio, recently held court with the media in Europe.

In a recent interview, the Barcelona club star spouted off: he basically told the Timberwolves to improve or lose his services; described himself as a ‘colourful, attractive, spectacular basketball player’; and compared himself to being ‘in the mold of Magic Johnson and Steve Nash’. 

Under normal circumstances, a team should immediately consider cutting ties with such a prospect.

However, these aren’t normal circumstances in Minnesota. Even with two young point guards and other developing pieces, the club only won 15 games last year and can’t sell tickets, luxury suites, or merchandise.

Frankly, the Timberwolves –since trading Kevin Garnett – have become irrelevant.

Rubio would change this. Instantly. His razzle-dazzle game will put butts in seats. And suddenly, the Timberwolves will have an identity, presence, and following at home and throughout the world.

All of this equals one thing: money.

Rubio, of course, knows this. He also knows he has leverage and will hold it over Minnesota executive David Kahn and the entire franchise.

If the Timberwolves don’t give him everything he wants, he plays in Europe and forces a trade. And even if the Timberwolves do give him everything he wants, the 19 year old could still force a trade to a larger market with a more competitive team.

With such pull, Rubio has little need for modesty or humility.

Got thoughts on Rubio? Got thoughts on the state of the Wolves? 

Minnesota GM David Kahn is actively trying to trade up from the fourth pick to the second pick for a chance to take Ohio State's Evan Turner. Also, don't be surprised if either Al Jefferson or Kevin Love is traded by draft night.

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HoopsVibe's Quick Call: Yes, change is coming to 'The Frozen Tundra of Sota'.

Simply put, Jefferson and Love, while both talented, have too similar a style. Each is a natural four-man and can't effectively play a different position. One factor worth considering: Jefferson may be hard to trade because he has three years and $42 million remaining on his big ticket contract.

So Kahn has too many power forwards. He also has too many point guards, with Jonny Flynn and Spanish prospect Ricky Rubio plying his craft in Europe.

As Tillery mentions, the Timberwolves are considering moving up in the draft and may use the above assets as part of a package to swap spots or rebuild.

What changes do you see coming to Minnesota? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts.   

The Wolves, should they decide to retain Rubio's rights rather than package him to move up in June's draft, hold an appreciating asset. Team sources confirm that since he helped the Spanish national team to last year's European championship, he has spent extended time in the weight room for the first time in his career. Meanwhile, Barcelona's coaches have put in overtime to work on his shooting mechanics. 

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Is anybody else massively underwhelmed by videos like this one?  I know that highlights aren't the best indicator of a player's talent, but I could film for an hour at the Y and find five plays more impressive than these.  Ricky Rubio certainly has above-average passing abilities, but his minimal athleticism, shaky jumper and questionable defensive judgement don't bode well for the teen prospect set to suit up for Minnesota at some point in the next couple of seasons.

I heard the "Spanish Pistol Pete" moniker almost as soon as I heard the kid's name, but I've taken to calling him "Sixty-Percent Steve".  That is, he looks like Steve Nash playing at three-fifths capacity, even in the highlights.  Check out the clip below and judge for yourself, then leave a comment to let us know your thoughts.