Should the Nuggets inquire about Ricky Rubio?

[Elite_video_player id=”39″]

With the Minnesota Timberwolves “actively shopping” Ricky Rubio, according to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Harrison Wind and T.J. McBride discussed if the Denver Nuggets should inquire about the point guard’s availability and weighed the pro’s and con’s of Rubio in a Nuggets’ jersey.

Wind: If you were Nuggets’ General Manager Tim Connelly, would you inquire about Rubio?

McBride: If I was Connelly, I would inquire but it has to be done the right way. The Nuggets do not have a desperate need for Rubio and are still in the thick of the playoff hunt regardless.

Wind: I’d definitely call. With the Nuggets gunning for the eighth seed, Rubio, like Paul Millsap, who the Nuggets were also interested in, gets you closer to that goal. He doesn’t help you out to the degree that Millsap would but gives you a better chance at the eighth seed and maybe, just maybe, a home win against the Warriors. But what would it take to get him? Woj reports that Minnesota is looking for a “bridge guard,” someone who can start at the point then eventually gives way to Kris Dunn. I don’t like to speculate on trades but it seems like a package around Jameer Nelson isn’t giving the Wolves enough value in return. What would you be willing to give up for Rubio?

McBride: Nelson should be the starting point of the deal. He has played better than expected and looks like he is the ideal fit for a “bridge guard” as Woj reported. Throwing in either the rights to the Grizzlies’ 2017 1st round pick would be a big step to getting the Timberwolves to accept a deal. Another avenue that should be considered is sending Will Barton as a sweetener. His contract is arguably the best in basketball. The Timberwolves lack players who can play the two or the three and Barton would be a significant upgrade there. Woj also reported that the Timberwolves could include Shabazz Muhammad in a deal for Rubio. Any thoughts on taking him back as a part of a trade?

Wind: I’d be fine taking Muhammad back for depth, especially if you’re giving up a wing to get back Rubio, I’ve always been a fan of his. Honestly, this probably comes down to what the Nuggets think of Emmanuel Mudiay and if he can reach a ceiling that’s higher than Rubio’s. Let’s talk about fit, because looking at Rubio and this Nuggets’ roster I like what I see. On defense, Rubio would help Denver out a ton at point guard, which could be the Nuggets’ weakest position on the defensive end of the floor right now. The Nuggets has struggled all year keeping opposing point guards in front of them and stopping penetration, and that’s one of the reason’s they have the worst defense in the league since the lineup change. Rubio can help out in that regard. Rubio is a plus defender, he’s third among point guard’s in Defensive RPM and is sixth in the league in steals, averaging just under two per game.

McBride: I could not agree more about his defensive prowess. Regardless of what role he plays on the Nuggets he would be an immediate boost to the defensive issues of the team. On the offensive end of the floor, he also provides a substantial boost. He can play on or off the ball and adds an additional high-IQ player to the floor, regardless if it is off the bench or starting. The Nuggets roster is built with players who can all pass and play unselfishly. Rubio fits the offensive identity perfectly and looks to be another great complement to the Nikola Jokic-led offense.

Wind: Offensively, I’ve always been skeptical of Rubio. He’s shooting just 37.3 percent from the field and a career-worst 24.7 percent from three, those numbers are lower than Mudiay’s, so he doesn’t give you anything in that regard. But the Nuggets are humming to the tune of the second-best offense in the league since Dec. 15 even with Mudiay at point guard. Jokic is that good and makes that much of an impact. Rubio is a smart player that would stay out of the way and let Denver continue what they have now and even contribute to the pass-happy offense that’s getting executed night in and night out, but the Mudiay factor is tough. Would you risk losing him and his confidence if he’s sent to the bench?

McBride: While Rubio is not a scorer at all, he does add more than Mudiay is currently contributing on the offensive end. Rubio is a better passer and makes better decisions. The Mudiay side of this equation is the elephant in the room. I don’t think Rubio has to play in the starting unit and I would actually rather him running the pick and roll with Wilson Chandler and Jusuf Nurkic from the bench unit. He also seems to be a much better fit in the backcourt with Jamal Murray. Nelson can be overly ball-dominant and it has hurt Murray’s production recently. I think the Nuggets could continue starting Mudiay but close games with Rubio. Bringing in Rubio could actually benefit Mudiay and having an experienced point guard like Rubio could push the 20-year-old. He has not had anyone contending for his starting role since he came into the NBA and Mudiay has shown the ability to bounce back before, when everyone starts counting him out.

Wind: Good point, but I’m not sure Rubio will be happy coming off the bench for a team like the Nuggets. The Mudiay question is really tough to answer, and it’s why I have a hard time envisioning the Nuggets going hard after Rubio. Connelly values continuity and I think that ultimately wins out, but who knows, the NBA is an unpredictable league.