Report: Rubio to return to Timberwolves on Monday

Ricky Rubio is reportedly finally ready to return to NBA action and will suit up Monday for the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Dallas Mavericks, according to John Krawczynski of the Associated Press.

On Sunday, the team listed him as questionable for Monday night's game.

Rubio only played in the first five games of the Wolves' season, severely injuring his left ankle Nov. 7 against the Orlando Magic. What was first thought to be a bad sprain turned out to include ligament and muscle damage.

As a result, the Timberwolves have taken their time with the 24-year-old Spanish point guard's recovery - with any hope of the playoffs gone and the development of youngsters like Andrew Wiggins, there's been no need to rush him back.

While his limitations as a shooter are no secret, Rubio on a good day is an assist and steal machine. He was averaging a career-high 10 dimes per game - albeit in a small, five-game sample - prior to his injury. 

With other veterans like Kevin Martin and Nikola Pekovic also recently returning to the Wolves from long layoffs, it will be interesting to see how coach Flip Saunders balances out the youth movement going forward.