Rubio says he'll join Wolves

• Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves

Talk about it

(Barcelona, Spain) -- Ricky Rubio announced at a news conference this morning in Spain that he will begin his career in the NBA.

He said, "It's a bit scary because I have never left Barcelona before, but I am very keen to take on the challenge." Rubio was the fifth overall pick of the Timberwolves in the 2009 NBA Draft. He has played the last few seasons in his native Spain and concluded this past season with Barcelona, leading them to a championship.

The 20-year-old point guard agreed to terms on a multi-year deal with the Wolves last month, but the move could not be made public until the conclusion of the pro basketball season in Europe. Rubio's flashy playing style, his boyish looks, and his floppy hair have already made him a marketing machine. He has endorsement deals with Nike and McDonalds already in place.

__________________________________________________________

The future of Wolves head coach Kurt Rambis could come into clearer focus today. Team president of basketball operations David Kahn gave a less-than-ringing endorsement for Rambis at the end of the season, which put the coach's future in a cloudy perspective. Last week Rambis told reporters he would like to get a final answer on his future. Rambis and Kahn had meetings yesterday and presumedly discussed the situation. Both men were at draft workouts hosted by the team yesterday, but watched from opposite ends of the practice gymnasium's floor. Team owner Glen Taylor was also in attendance and sat next to Kahn, while Rambis was on the opposite end of the facility watching from the team's weight room that is connected to the gym.

_________________________________________________________

The Timberwolves hosted several draft prospects for two separate workouts yesterday. One of the prospects who was evaluated in the morning session was European big man Enes Kanter, who was to have played at Kentucky last season, but was ruled ineligible. Wolves assistant general manager Tony Ronzone says Kanter is a skilled big man. Former University of Arizona star Derrick Williams worked out in the afternoon evaluation and Ronzone says he likes the look of the forward. The team will host a handful of prospects today, including Michigan State's Durrell Summers. Minnesota holds the No. 2 overall pick in this month's NBA Draft.

Tags: minnesota sports, proam, basketball