Phoenix Suns: 5 expectations for Ricky Rubio
1. Emphasis is still on the young core
While fans hoping for D’Angelo Russell or another star signing were likely disappointed in the Rubio signing, Phoenix placing all its eggs in the “Big 3” basket was never realistic. The Suns were never going to land another star this summer, and there was no series of moves they could’ve made that would’ve put them in contention for a playoff spot in 2019-20.
However, reaching 30-35 wins now feels like a more attainable goal to show Booker this franchise is progressing in the right direction. Ricky Rubio alone won’t get them there, but his arrival, along with a few more legitimate NBA players, puts the young core in optimal position to make a leap.
In other words, the Suns are still very much counting on Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton to become certified NBA stars, but by putting the right amount of complementary talent around them, that path should be easier to navigate.
Mikal Bridges, Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre, Dario Saric, Tyler Johnson, Aron Baynes, and Frank Kaminsky is a perfectly fine supporting cast for two NBA stars (we'll see what happens with the rooks/Okobo/Melton).
— Max (@maxmcc11) July 2, 2019
This is on Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton to play like two NBA stars.
While that’s a lot to put on a 22-year-old and a soon-to-be 21-year-old coming off his first NBA season, it’s the reality of Phoenix’s situation. By choosing to build around two players with notable defensive flaws, the Suns must find the right mix of established supporting pieces to ever become a regular face in the playoffs again.
The good news is, while Rubio probably won’t be around when that day finally comes, he represents the bridge between now and a more prominent future. He’s not the long-term fix, but that’s why a three-year contract for the 28-year-old makes sense.
When Ricky Rubio’s contract expires after the 2021-22 season, the Suns’ core four will all be entering their prime years together:
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 1, 2019
• Devin Booker - 25
• Deandre Ayton - 23
• Mikal Bridges - 25
• Kelly Oubre - 26
The Rubio signing is Phoenix betting on these four to ascend.
It takes an overpay to attract real NBA talent to bad rebuilding teams, but as Trevor Ariza showed, one-year deals provide more leeway to dial it in. Tacking on two more years prevents that, gives this group a longer time to jell, adds a legitimate starting point guard and allows the Suns their chance to build through Booker, Ayton, Bridges and Oubre.
Next. 2019 NBA free agency tracker - grades for every deal so far. dark
He may not be the flashy signing the Phoenix Suns dreamed of, but Ricky Rubio is about as good as they could’ve realistically hoped for, all things considered.