Ricky Rubio Big Time Marketer

Minnesota is home to Adrian Peterson and Joe Mauer, who are arguably the finest in their respective sports, but are seen minimally in the national marketing scene. Joe Mauer, an MVP and three-time batting champ, pitches milk locally for Kemps while I can't recall a Peterson promo, but Ricky Rubio... now he may be a money maker.

European, talented and the spotlight for European fans... Ricky Rubio could quickly pile up advertising deals in short order. For the Minnesota Timberwolves, Rubio could become the face of the organization, giving it the spark we haven't had since the days of Garnett. On the national, and perhaps the international scene, Rubio has the interest of marketers. The NBA sees him as a gold mine and will hardly want him to be anything else.

I see Rubio featured in the Wolves' marketing efforts as well as the league's. No question there. There is the question as to whether or not he deserves it?

Sure, Rubio has played at the high level internationally for a long time and won a silver medal on Spain's 2008 Olympic basketball team, but as a European pro, he usually only scores about 10 points per game and dishes out about four assists. These are numbers that, would not only not turn any heads in the NBA, but may even put fans to sleep. (This, of course is assuming he shows up on our shores.)

I'll give Rubio my time and attention as he develops, but I will also remain hesitant as the NBA attempts to, potentially, force-feed America a diet full of Ricky Rubio.

Rubio may overtake the advertising attention granted to Joe Mauer and Adrian Peterson... but let's just see if he can manage to match their playing level first.