Ricky Rubio

The Minnesota Timberwolves made several off-season moves that has brought renewed optimism to a club that hasn't made the playoffs since 2004 when they made it to the Western Conference Finals.

The Timberwolves announced today that they have picked up the team option on the 3rd year for 2nd year players Derrick Williams and Ricky Rubio. Both players are entering they 2nd year of a 3-year contract. Rubio was 2nd in the rookie of the year voting in 2011-2012. Rubio averaged 10.6 points and 8.2 assists a game last season while Williams averaged 8.8 points and 4.7 rebounds a game last season.

Timberwolves' point guard Ricky Rubio gave us an update on his recovered from a torn ACL on Thursday. Rubio says he won't rush to return and expects to be back in December or January. Rubio was injured against the Lakers at Target Center on March 9 while guarding Kobe Bryant. The Wolves were in playoff contention at the time when Rubio was hurt but the team finished the season 5-20.

Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio and forward Derrick Williams were both honored by the NBA. Rubio made the NBA rookie first team while Williams made the rookie 2nd team. Rubio averaged 10.6 points and 8.2 assists a game while Williams averaged 8.8 points and 4.7 rebounds a game in 2011-2012.

Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio finished 2nd to Cleveland point guard Kyrie Irving in the NBA rookie of the year voting. Irving received 117 of 120 possible first place votes. Rubio had 49 2nd place votes and 23 3rd place votes with a total of 170 points while Irving had a total of 592 points. Rubio averaged 10.6 points and 8.2 assists a game in 41 games for Minnesota in 2011-2012.

Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio talked with reporters Tuesday after his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee suffered on March 9 against the L.A. Lakers. Rubio had surgery on March 21 and isn't sure if he'll return to the team in time for training camp in September. Rubio refused to put a timetable on his return.

Timberwolves rookie phenom point guard Ricky Rubio is done for the season after tearing the ACL in his left knee. He was run into by Laker guard Kobe Bryant late in the game Friday night. Rubio scored 15 points and had 10 assists for the Wolves Friday night. Rubio is averaging 10.6 points and 8.2 assists a game this season. J.J. Barea and Luke Ridnour are expected to handle the point guard duties with Rubio out.

The Timberwolves lost 105-102 at home against the Los Angeles Lakers Friday night. Minnesota played without forward Kevin Love who couldn't play because of back spasms. Derrick Williams missed a shot in the lane with just seconds left that could have given the Wolves the lead. Nikola Pekovic led the Wolves with 25 points and 13 rebounds, Derrick Williams had 22 points and 10 rebounds and Ricky Rubio added 15 points and 10 assists.

The Timberwolves lost 104-97 Friday night at home to Dallas. Minnesota fell behind 29-16 after the first quarter and were playing from behind all game. Kevin Love led the Wolves with 32 points and 12 rebounds, Michael Beasley added 20 points and Ricky Rubio chipped in 10 points and 8 assists. Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas with 33 points.

Timberwolves rookies Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams were each chosen to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge to be held during the All Star weekend on February 24 in Orlando, Florida. TNT analysts Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal will chose the players for each team.