Ricky Rubio
Ricky Rubio was a polarizing figure during his two-year stay in Utah. With different expectations, I expect Phoenix Suns fans will be firmly in the pro-Rubio camp.
The 28-year-old signed a monster three-year, $51-million deal to move to the Valley of the Sun. In multiple ways, Rubio reached new heights with the Jazz, averaging just under 13 points per game and topping 41 percent from the field. Still, that deal seems like a huge overpay to yours truly.
But good on Tricky Ricky for getting paid. To a nicer guy it couldn’t have happened.
And while the Jazz went as far as they could with Rubio, the rebuilding Suns will see big-time benefits by bringing him on-board. Young players like Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Kelly Oubre, Mikal Bridges, Ty Jerome and Dario Saric will all see how to play with heart, how a true pro conducts himself.
His vision with the basketball will help them out a lot offensively, too.
“Ricky is a phenomenal player and floor general,” said Suns GM James Jones. “Ricky makes everyone around him better and we couldn’t be happier to add a player of his caliber and experience to our franchise.”