Hoops Habit
Fansided

2019 NBA free agency: 5 players in need of a change of scenery

By Daniel Lubofsky

CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 28: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics moves the ball against Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter of a preseason game at Dean Smith Center on September 28, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Hornets won 104-97. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 28: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics moves the ball against Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets in the first quarter of a preseason game at Dean Smith Center on September 28, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Hornets won 104-97. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

5. Ricky Rubio

Ricky Rubio has now been a member of the Utah Jazz for two seasons. In that time, he’s averaged a productive 12.9 points, 5.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game. He’s no liability defensively, with quick feet and slick hands that helped him average 1.5 steals a night as well.

Rubio certainly didn’t choke in his two playoff runs. In fact, he was even better when the postseason came around, posting 14.6 points, 7.7 assists, 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game.

While not at the level of some of the elite players at his position, Rubio has clearly shown an ability to hold his own. Yet it seems almost certain he’ll be suiting up next season for a team outside Salt Lake after the Spaniard was told Utah hasn’t made him a priority in its plans for the coming offseason.

This comes as an attempt for the Jazz to go after a different type of floor general, one who can score the ball with regular consistency. It’s why they’ve been linked to guys such as D’Angelo Russell and Mike Conley.

Having shot just 41.2 percent from the field and 33.2 percent from 3, Rubio isn’t that, but it doesn’t mean his value lies in the gutter. Plenty of playoff contenders are in need of capable ball-handlers who can run an offense and defend at a high level.

For Rubio, it’s about finding an organization that will appreciate what he brings to the table. That might mean coming off the bench in scarce minutes, but it’s a role he certainly won’t find from a team whose value to the franchise has been made painfully clear.