The Cavaliers have been waiting for Ricky Rubio to take the court in a game again, and it appears that time is near. Or at least a lot nearer.
That’s because Rubio has been cleared to begin practicing in five-on-five drills, as relayed by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Rubio had already been taking part in some three-on-three and other drills at practice.
Along with that, he has been spotted multiple times putting up shots and getting in a workout before games in recent weeks.
“He’s back,” Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters. “He’s going to start doing more and more. More five-on-five and those types of things. He’s been given the green light to do that.”
Still, Bickerstaff preached patience.
“It’s something we won’t rush,” he cautioned. “He’s heading in the right direction. But it’s too important and he’s too important to rush it.”
Bickerstaff is right about Rubio being important. The Cavs were a different team with him on the court last season. The ball just moved better. Teammates got better looks at the basket. And All-Star point guard Darius Garland admittedly learned a lot just by watching Rubio.
After suffering a torn ACL in December, Rubio was part of the trade with the Pacers that delivered guard/forward Caris LeVert to the Cavs. Now, they are teammates. And there are those within the Cavs who think Rubio is just the man to get LeVert (and others) really going.
Of course, the Cavs (16-9) have been chugging right along pretty well as is, as they sit in second place in the Central Division with the third-best record in the Eastern Conference.
Still, Rubio is viewed as somewhat of a coach on the court, a player who brings a sense of order and calmness when things go awry.
Sources have told Hoops Wire that he may still be a month away from suiting up. But based on recent developments, it appears it could be sooner than that.
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