Rubio hints at Barcelona return

Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio has hinted that he may return to Spain if the NBA season is cancelled because of the ongoing lockout.

The 21-year-old, who became the youngest player ever to play in the Spanish ACB League when he was only 14, moved to Minnesota from FC Barcelona in May but is growing increasingly frustrated by the long-running dispute between the NBA players and owners. Those looking at the best NBA basketball betting should remember this.

When asked about his plans, Rubio told Catalan radio ONA FM: "I want to wait until I see there is no chance of resolving the situation, and then I will sign with another team."

Rubio has said he may contact Barcelona to see if he can practice with the team while the lockout continues. Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol and his brother Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies have already decided to do just that and Rubio admitted: "It would be nice to practice and play with the Gasols at Barca."

He did feature in a low-key game at the weekend when he took part in Drew Gooden's charity exhibition.

After the match, which was played in front of only 1,000 people in an arena that holds almost 13,000, Rubio said: "It was good. It's like a little step before going to the NBA. It's like practice.

"I want to play. I want to do what I love to do, play on the court, you know?"

Rubio won a host of accolades during his time with Barcelona, securing three successive European Young Player of the Year awards between 2007 and 2009.