Lots of people thought Kris Dunn would be the Minnesota Timberwolves’ starting point guard by season’s end. Few, if any, thought he’d taking up the mantle two games into the season.
But here we are.
The Minnesota Timberwolves announced that Ricky Rubio, their current starting point guard, will we out indefinitely as he rehabilitates a sprained right elbow:
Ricky Rubio Injury Update: pic.twitter.com/rWST8mC03d
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) November 1, 2016
“Indefinitely” has such a negative connotation to it. Though it doesn’t relay a specific timetable, it typically forewarns an extensive absence. Optimistic Twitter people think he’ll only be out a week or two, and that may be true. But Rubio has been fairly injury-prone since entering the NBA, and the Timberwolves won’t want to rush him back.
Besides, this was, to some degree, always the plan—handing the reins to Dunn.
That doesn’t mean this will be a permanent shift. Dunn has been used sparingly through the Timberwolves’ first two games, and head coach Tom Thibodeau could elect to roll with Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins as the primary playmakers.
Despite starting the year 0-2, remember, the Timberwolves are supposed to be chasing a playoff berth. Dunn’s development is important, but if his expanded role comes at the expense of an offense that currently ranks fourth in points scored per 100 possessions, the team will likely table it unless it falls outside the postseason picture or Rubio proves unable to return in the near future.
