Skip to content

Rubio on T-Wolves losing Love: 'Right now, we have to play with the players we have'

Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports / reuters

It's been a rough summer for Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio. First, he lost Kevin Love in a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers, then his Spanish squad bowed out early at the FIBA World Cup.

But Rubio isn't lamenting the loss of Love, opting instead to look forward in the absence of his former superstar pick-and-pop partner.

"Right now, we have to play with the players we have," Rubio told Yahoo Sports. "I really liked playing with him, but I'll play with the players who want to be there."

This past summer saw Love and the Timberwolves embroiled in a drawn-out breakup. Love's representatives voiced their displeasure with the situation in Minnesota, and the Timberwolves engaged in heavy trade talks with a handful of teams before finally sending Love to Cleveland for a package of prospects.

"Kevin wants to win. That's normal. He's been there six years without the playoffs," Rubio said. "I understand. If I was in the same situation – being one of the best players in the league – and not being able to be in the playoffs, I'd have a lot of frustration, too."

For his part, however, Rubio plans on staying faithful to the Timberwolves, an organization that has staunchly stood by his side. Rubio was drafted in 2009, but didn't make his NBA debut until 2011.

"I'm loyal," Rubio said of the Timberwolves. "I want to give them back what they gave me there: a lot of love."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox