Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio out indefinitely with elbow injury
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio is out indefinitely with an elbow injury, the team announced.
The team said that an MRI on Rubio's elbow showed a sprain rather than a break. Minnesota did not give a timetable for Rubio's return and said that his status will be updated as appropriate.
Rubio was injured late in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 103–100 loss to the Sacramento Kings.
“There will be some ups and downs, but his intensity will cover up for things,” Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau said, via the Pioneer Press. “His hustle, playing great defense, running the team. He’s an unselfish player who will hit the open man, and I think he’s starting to understand the NBA a little bit better. It takes a little time.”
Rubio's injury is likely going to provide rookie Kris Dunn more playing time. Dunn was the No. 5 selection in this year's NBA draft.
“Next man up,” Thibodeau said. “You don’t get here by accident. If you’re here, you’re a great player. Get in there and get the job done. You have to know what your job is and then go out there and do your job. We have more than enough to win with.”
Minnesota has lost their first two games of the season by a combined seven points and have missed the playoffs in each of the last 12 seasons.
Rubio, 26, was averaging 4.5 points, 6.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds so far this season.
– Scooby Axson
