Rubio sliding in the draft?

by TeamChemistry on May 16, 2009 4:32 PM PDT

Just found this off of Hoopsworld.com, looks like Ricky Rubio has a major buyout. As a Rubio fan, it was music to my ears, I can see Kevin Pritchard working it right now, setting up to steal him in the draft.

Alex's Weekly Update: Nobody is questioning Ricky Rubio's status as the draft's second-most intriguing prospect. However, the issue of his buyout from DKV Joventut is something that people are disagreeing over. Based on current exchange rates, Rubio's buyout could be worth nearly $8 million. Making matters worse is that the issue might end up in international court since Rubio's signature is not on his Spanish contract (his parents signed in his place). With teams such as the Wizards and Clippers already heavily invested in the point guard position, Rubio could potentially slide in the draft. He is too talented to fall far, but don't be surprised if the Thunder land Rubio and slide Russell Westbrook over to shooting guard.

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I do not want to see him in a Thunder jersey...

draft rodrigue beaubois

by Cablinasian on May 16, 2009 4:39 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

yeah

PG: Rubio
SG: Wesbrook
SF: Durant
PF: Green
C: whoever

Could be a pretty scary starting line up.

by Bskey on May 16, 2009 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions

the big negative with that lineup

is lack of shooting between Rubio and Westbrook. Would be a tough team to defend though.

"Smile! You're on a poster!!" - Mike Rice

by lefty6283 on May 17, 2009 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions

They are better off with Thabeet

They would be better off to keep using Sefolosha/Weaver at the 2 and drafting Thabeet:

PG: Westbrook
SG: Sefolosha/Weaver
SF: Durant
PF: Green
C: Thabeet

Sefolosha and Weaver are both good defensive players who compliment Durant well.

by danielfarrell on May 18, 2009 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions

He won't slide past Sacramento

And it doesn’t matter how rich a team/owner is, the player has to pay his buyout. The most a team can give towards this is $500k.

"Officiating has to be a science, not an art" - Rick Carlisle

by Norsktroll on May 16, 2009 4:39 PM PDT reply actions

What if he doesn't come over right away?

I don’t think the Kings could afford to wait another year or two.

Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .

by Nick Van Excellent on May 16, 2009 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions

because their title window is closing?

they can wait quite awhile!

by GreatOden'sRaven on May 18, 2009 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions

So, Rubio has to pay $8M (less $500K) himself for the privelege of playing in the states?

Why would he want to do that? I know he can make more in the long run, but the smart thing would be to fulfill his contract there, grow a little physically in the meantime, then come over to the NBA. How old is he again? 18?

No wonder most of our European players don’t come over til they are like 25…

I like the whole team.

by RenoBlazerFan on May 16, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Nike could upgrade his shoe deal :)

He also has a deal with McDonalds in Spain. But yes, it would be a massive sacrifice for him no matter what side deals he could strike. That’s why he will check the draft process and order very carefully. If he isn’t a top 3 pick, the buyout compared to the rookie scale gets too big and he might pull out again of this year’s draft or not come over before his contract is up. Although they might still reduce it, see below.

"Officiating has to be a science, not an art" - Rick Carlisle

by Norsktroll on May 16, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks

I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t come over this year.

I like the whole team.

by RenoBlazerFan on May 16, 2009 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions

He is getting out of his Joventut contract

So he can play in the NBA. I guess some spanish team could sign him for a year…

Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Edwin Jackson(Eurostash)

by TheGreatDane17 on May 16, 2009 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Hopefully this turns out to be a Happy Meal

and not an Apple Turnover. While most seem to think that he’s going to be a Big Mac, there’s still no guarantee that he’s not a large order of soft serve. All that’s clear right now is that he is not on the dollar menu.

by bamkapow on May 17, 2009 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

maybe he wants the challenge of playing in the NBA

he knows he’ll make money here and play in the best league in the world (I think we can safely say that again after winning in the Olympics).

"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"

by Magnum on May 16, 2009 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Besides, even if he's stuck over there for another year

it might be preferable for Sacramento to stay in the basement and accumulate one more top 5 pick, although they’re bound to improve some if Martin’s healthy just due to getting more out of Martin, and the advancement of Hawes and Thompson. While the top pick is projected to be Wall, another PG, there are still guys at other positions that can help them (Favors and Ed Davis jump out), and then they’d be able to enter 2010 with two top 5 picks joining the team. As we’ve seen with OKC, there’s an advantage to being absolutely rock bottom for a couple years.

by Royster on May 16, 2009 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Very good post

Im sure the people will eat this up. I dont consider him the savior to the team but it wouldnt be bad to have a young guy at the point who can lead our team going into the future. I think Sac would take him if they didnt get the 1st pick.

by quezadaz on May 16, 2009 4:40 PM PDT reply actions

i dont think we need a "savior" at this point

we got that back in 06

bayless leaves over my dead body

by thomasikehara on May 16, 2009 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions

And 2008

Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Edwin Jackson(Eurostash)

by TheGreatDane17 on May 16, 2009 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions

what if

he won’t buyout his contract unless he feels he is in the right situation? Like he could got to sactown or he could wait for his contract to expire and then come over when the team should be in a better situation. there are very few teams that it would seem it would be worth it for him to buyout now to come over, and portland has to be one of them(with rudy and the overall talent and winningness(real word?)) this stuff gets me so excited for the draft

"Howard, he know me" Rudy

by phillyduck23 on May 16, 2009 5:07 PM PDT reply actions

This whole hullabaloo with Ricky Rubio reminds me of what went down with Maciej Lampe back in 2003.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/ian_thomsen/news/2003/06/27/insider/

At worst, the team that selects Ricky Rubio will have to wait until 2011 for him to leave DKV Joventut and join the NBA.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/basketball/nba/04/21/rubio.ap/index.html

Nevertheless, Rubio appears adament about coming over to America with comments like the following remark from the above article.

“That [$7.8 million buyout] can be a drawback but I’m not worried because my agent is working it out.”

I don’t think it’ll end up being a big deal, but I’m just assuming here.

by AK1984 on May 16, 2009 5:42 PM PDT reply actions

Are you implying that Joventut would negotiate that buyout?

I like the whole team.

by RenoBlazerFan on May 16, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't know what'll be the eventual outcome, but Ricky Rubio seems unworried about it.

by AK1984 on May 16, 2009 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions

He stands to make more money if he comes over to the US this season

Regardless of the buyout, it’s not about the money totally. It’s about the next contract, and the younger he is, the more likely he’s going to get a THIRD contract of some value. If he waits until he’s 21 to come over, then wait until he’s 25 for his first big contracct, it’s likely he’ll be 30 when he gets his 2nd big contract. As opposed to being 28. There’s little reason to believe he can’t play in the league over a decade. It’s a gamble on his part, but there’s a lot more money to be made potentially in the long haul by coming over now.

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on May 16, 2009 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions

"[...] there’s a lot more money to be made potentially in the long haul by coming over now."

I agree with you 100% there.

by AK1984 on May 16, 2009 8:52 PM PDT up reply actions

what if he doesnt want to play for Sac?

hehe

by GreatOden'sRaven on May 18, 2009 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions

buyouts

can be negotiated, as Navarro did for instance, I think they agreed Navarro would only play in Barcelona if he was to come back to europe, or maybe they could split the payment so he can pay in say 4 years… There are several formulas, but i’m not sure Joventut wants to have an upset player in his roster, I’d rather take the money in some years and have the chance to get him back at the end of his career.

by Ristlin on May 17, 2009 4:00 AM PDT up reply actions

Oh yeah, Lampe. Out of sight, out of mind.

ignacio

by ignacio on May 16, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions

A question would be if it would hold in court as indicated in the article

His parents signed for him
More importantly he had a salary of <$100k until this year. A $7-8 million buyout seems understandable from Badalona’s side, but unreasonable in contrast to what he got paid so far.

I’m not a lawyer, but EU courts see sports players as totally normal employees, which was established about a decade ago in the Bosman case that had a significant impact on European soccer. I could well imagine that part of his contract (which is essentially a massive “no-compete” clause) getting voided or at least reduced. And I doubt Badalona and Rubio would even want to go to court, since there is little use for them to have a disgruntled star who wants to go.

"Officiating has to be a science, not an art" - Rick Carlisle

by Norsktroll on May 16, 2009 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions

not familliar w/EU law

but in the US, According to Graham v Scissor Tail, a clause in a contract which is unreasonably favorable to one side will not be enforced. W/O looking at the contract (in english) and others like it in the euro leagues, I don’t know, but it could be argued that it’s an adhesion contract which could help set the foundation to get the clause voided, though you’re not getting there on the basis of adhesion alone. There would have to be elements of unfairness, lack of meaningful choice, unconcionability, against public policy, etc.

Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash

by HurraKane212 on May 17, 2009 12:34 AM PDT up reply actions

Graham v Scissor Tail?

is it just me, or does that sound made up?

Joel Freeland=Stud

by hightide on May 17, 2009 12:48 AM PDT up reply actions

link

http://www.jstor.org/pss/3480230

I’m a law student

Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash

by HurraKane212 on May 17, 2009 1:59 AM PDT up reply actions

The Bosman case that Norsk is referring to

isn’t so cut and dry as to say that in all situations professional athletes are considered normal employees. The player in question was out of contract with his club at the time (unlike Rubio), and wished to play for another club, but the league’s rules allowed his previous club to prevent him from playing anywhere else unless they paid a fee. Basically, that a player without a contract has the freedom to work/play elsewhere, which makes perfect sense, but doesn’t help Rubio since he’s under contract until 2011.

As far as I know, there has never been a ruling in the European sporting world to invalidate any part of a contract. Many soccer players have astronomical minimum fee release clauses in their contract (basically if another team bids that dollar amount for a player, the club has to accept it), but it seems that these are acceptable by EU standards. Functionally, they work identically to Rubio’s buyout, except for the fact that NBA rules prevent teams from paying more then $500k towards it. I don’t believe any player has ever succeeded in a legal challenge to be allowed to move for a fee less than what a club is willing to accept, no matter how ridiculous the club’s valuation of the player is, so I’m not too confident in Rubio’s ability to negotiate this down very much.

Of course, nothing’s stopping him from basically threatening to go on strike as a negotiating tactic.

by Royster on May 17, 2009 12:55 AM PDT up reply actions

that's true

the bad PR can be quite costly

Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash

by HurraKane212 on May 17, 2009 2:00 AM PDT up reply actions

I think

it’s not an adhesion contract, and the best angle to attack this contract would be him beeing a minor when his parents signed, he should be able to cancel the contract or at least reduce the buyout in court, but yet again Joventut shouldn’t be interested in having him upset.
P.D; I’m a spanish law student, only a really sucky one

by Ristlin on May 17, 2009 4:07 AM PDT up reply actions

Ah, this is true

now I’m weak on this one, just a 2L, haven’t taken family law. But I believe (for no substantiated reason) that parents can sign for children until they are 18 right?

Also, do you think the buyout constitutes an unreasonably favorable term in favor of Joventut?
I don’t think that “unreasonable hardship” is going to get him where he wants to go. Again, I also haven’t taken employment law, I’m just looking at this from a Contract Law angle.

P.S. I’d like to keep in touch with you, I don’t know any students learning law overseas.

Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash

by HurraKane212 on May 17, 2009 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions

keep in mind

that continental law tradition is really different to brittish&american law tradition, but anyway parents can sign contracts in the name of his son (or tutors or legal guardians), but that contract might be invalidated in some cases. On the other hand, if it was him who signed the contract would be valid till his parents invalidated the contract or he did when he got 18, but that’s not the case.
Buyouts don’t usually count as “unreasonable hardship” (clausula abusiva in spanish law i guess) unless it’s something really obvious. Earning around 100k vs 8 mill of buyout might not be seen as unreasonable.
I still think Ricky’s best shot is to avoid courts, just get a deal with Joventut asking for time to pay and a “will play here for sure if I came back” clause.

by Ristlin on May 17, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions

ah, I love this stuff

makes me want to take an international law course.

Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash

by HurraKane212 on May 17, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions

I had a Geology Prof who also taught

International Maritime Law,I took some long hikes with him and enjoyed picking his brain. Great teacher,he would be strolling along giving you the Law lecture,see something of Geologic interest,point it out and explain it then go back to the lecture

by southern oregon on May 17, 2009 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Similar story in Spain.

"They didn't know it was impossible, so they did it"

by amlmart1 on May 17, 2009 6:41 AM PDT up reply actions

Chad Ford thinks the Clippers will offer Baron back to the Warriors if the land Rubio

http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2009/5/16/877332/rumor-clippers-to-offer-warriors

As described in my draft lottery post, I think it’s realistic that they would offer Z-Bo on the market if they land Griffin and Baron if they land Rubio. Their chances aren’t bad (about 17% #1, 17% #2, 16% #3), and that would be pretty bad for us since we can use neither.

"Officiating has to be a science, not an art" - Rick Carlisle

by Norsktroll on May 16, 2009 6:05 PM PDT reply actions

I hope Baron goes back to Golden State

that team was so, so fun to watch.

draft rodrigue beaubois

by Cablinasian on May 16, 2009 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't know if anyone saw today's game but Ricky hurt himself

I don’t know what he had, they said muscular problems. So maybe he’ll go down to 24th spot with that injury ?

by chuky on May 16, 2009 6:26 PM PDT reply actions

lol I like your hopefull thinking

it was a clear black night, a clear white moon

by In Walks Rudy on May 16, 2009 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions

If he slips in the draft...

then he’s definitely not coming over.

Roy is the best player in the world with the exception of Incarcerated Mike from Queensbridge .

by Nick Van Excellent on May 16, 2009 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions

I would sacrifice him staying back one year

if it guaranteed that we would get his rights.

"B-Roy is the best shooting guard I have played against"

-Ron Artest

If Artest can say it, so can I. Broy>Kobe.

by premthegrem on May 16, 2009 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions

It'd technically be two seasons, but the likelihood of that scenario even occurring is next to nil.

by AK1984 on May 16, 2009 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions

cool if he's in next year

let’s throw next season and hope we get the first draft pick in 2010 !

by chuky on May 16, 2009 8:33 PM PDT up reply actions

The way I see it

Freeland will make about the same $‘s in the next 4 years in the NBA or Euro,what would you do if you were Joel? Ricky would make mas o menos la misma with shoe $’s ect factored in. The diff is that Ricky has more leverage about which team he wants to play with because he play another year or even 2 in Spain which would discourage some teams

by southern oregon on May 16, 2009 6:27 PM PDT reply actions

Rubios injury is only for 10 o 12 days worst case.

by Xavier Garcia on May 16, 2009 8:28 PM PDT reply actions

joventut hates the NBA now and would hate the blazers if they somehow get rubio.

"There are a few teams you have to watch out for in the fourth quarter."
"Yeah, but Portland definitely is not one of them."

-New Orleans Hornets broadcasters at the end of the third quarter with the Hornets leading 74-59. Portland later ends up winning 97-89.

"They don't mind him shooting that shot at all. Rudy Fernandez is not that great of a 3pt shooter."

-New Orleans Hornets broadcasters right after a Rudy Fernandez missed 3pter. Rudy Fernandez finished the game with three 3pters on six attempts.

by Tofu Anonymous on May 16, 2009 11:33 PM PDT reply actions

Please God, let this be true

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious -- the knowledge of the existence of something unfathomable to us, the manifestation of the most profound reason coupled with the most brilliant beauty. - Einstein

by Illmatic88 on May 16, 2009 11:44 PM PDT reply actions

Would it be possible

to pay the buyout clause in Sergios?

by Millz on May 17, 2009 2:42 AM PDT reply actions

Am I the only one that thinks Ricky Rubio is overhyped?

I know a lot of people are saying he’s the next Pete Maravich and all. But what he has done so far really doesn’t impress me. It certainly is an eyebrow raiser (hahaha) that he’s done what he has at the young age of 18, but I think Rudy Fernandez is right. He’ll probably struggle a lot like Sergio did. He has tremendous potential, but if he can’t exercise that, then he’s going to have a very rough start to his career. Of course a team desperate for a PG might give him whatever minutes just to develop him.

The Kings have the best bench I’ve seen. There are easily 14 guys on this team good enough for every bench in the league. Now if we could only get some starters, I’d totally jizz in my pants.

Kings fan

by dyshooter182 on May 17, 2009 1:56 PM PDT reply actions

I don't think his skills fit well into Nate's system...

He is most effective in a pick and roll offense, and that’s not really Nate’s style. I wish it was, but it’s not.

I like the whole team.

by RenoBlazerFan on May 17, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions

As Oden improves his touch, I wouldn't be surprised if you see more P&R from the Blazers

They don’t do it now because Przybilla and Oden just aren’t consistent enough at being able to finish on the move. The pick and roll for Portland right now causes the ball handler to get stuck a double team he can’t really easily get out of. Once Oden starts getting used to dunking or getting an easy layup in motion, you’ll probably see Nate add that to the offensive arsenal. I’d like to see it used even more next season with Aldridge as well. That could be very effective.

Yes! Yes! In the face!

by LeafHawk on May 17, 2009 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree. Hinges on Oden's progress.

I like the whole team.

by RenoBlazerFan on May 17, 2009 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Every time I read a comment like this I think that maybe is too soon for him to go to the NBA...

… but I’m watching him play right now, leading his team in the ACB playoff in a very intense game, motivating the fans and his teammates… I0m pretty sure he is ready.

Free Sergio!

by ABSF on May 18, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions

but he has to get the minutes to develop

which is why he has to go to a bad team.
however at this point he is already better than a ton of college guys and in 4 years when he is their age will be worlds better.

by GreatOden'sRaven on May 18, 2009 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions