Tuesday Bolts – 6.9.09

Chad Ford reports that Ricky Rubio has asked to terminate his contract with DKV Joventut: “Spanish teenager Ricky

Rubio, projected as a top-five pick in the NBA draft, took the first step in clearing his way toward the NBA on Monday when he notified his team, DKV Joventut, that he wants to terminate his contract. Rubio is asking out of his deal, and also is challenging a 4.75 million Euro (approximately $6.6 million) buyout, which climbs to 5.75 million Euros after June 30. Rubio made 70,000 Euros last season (about $97,000) and is scheduled to make 125,000 Euros next season (about $175,000).”

He hasn’t yet, but Rubio plans to sue if negotiations can’t be reached: “Barcelona newspaper La Vanguardia reported in Sunday’s edition that Rubio’s camp, led by European agent German Gonzalez but no doubt pushed by U.S. agent Dan Fegan, plans to sue Joventut on grounds the buy-out is unreasonable commensurate to the player’s salary. DraftExpress’ Jonathan Givony, attending Reebok Eurocamp in Italy, called the rumor accurate on Monday, and noted that it was a major topic of discussion between NBA and European scouts and executive over the weekend in Treviso.”

Here’s a trade that might make you chuckle: “Blazers Trade to Oklahoma City – Rudy Fernandez, Travis Outlaw, Steve Blake, Martell Webster; Blazers Receive from Oklahoma City – Jeff Green, Nick Collison, Earl Watson, #3 pick in 2009 draft.” The problem with people coming up with trades for their teams is that we all think far too highly of our own players. On both sides.

HoopsWorld on Sacramento’s needs, but with this little tidbit: “The LA Clippers will certainly take Blake Griffin with the first overall pick, the Memphis Grizzlies are likely to go with either size – Hasheem Thabeet – or an off guard in James Harden. The rumor is that Sam Presti is leading towards taking Ricky Rubio and moving Russell Westbrook to the two, meaning Rubio would be off the board before the Kings got their crack. If he is, expect the Kings to think long and hard about drafting Jrue Holiday. If the Thunder don’t go Rubio, he could very well land in Sacramento. Either way, the Kings are going to address the point guard position with the #4 pick.”

A mock draft from the Hoops Report: “Oklahoma City: James Harden 6-5 222 SG So. Arizona State – This pick will come down to Ricky Rubio and Harden. The Thunder drafted their point guard last year with Russell Westbrook, so drafting Rubio doesn’t really make sense. If they were to play both of them together, neither of the two can shoot from outside, so it wouldn’t be an effective backcourt. With Harden, Kevin Durant gets a scoring partner with tons of potential. Westbrook, Harden and Durant would form a sensational, young trio.”

Q&A with B.J. Mullens: “Are there players who, when you watch them, you think, “You know, I could do that?” A: There are guys I like to watch to try to pinpoint the moves they do, because I feel like I can do those kinds of moves if I practice them. There are moves that Kevin Garnett does that I like a lot. There’s moves that Dirk Nowitzki does that I like. I think that’s something I can do, to target those kinds of moves and focus on developing them for myself, in my own way.”

There’s about 10 videos of Blake Griffin’s workout from last Saturday, so be sure to check out the right sidebar for more. I just chose the best one:

Two interesting things today about Ricky Rubio rumors. First: “There are Internet and Spanish reports that contend Rubio would skip Memphis and visit only Los Angeles, Oklahoma City and Sacramento — teams that own the first, third and fourth picks. Wallace, though, said Monday afternoon that no one from Rubio’s camp has indicated the Spaniard would bypass Memphis — owners of the No. 2 overall selection. “I don’t have anything set up. But it’s open-ended. If he’s in the country, we definitely want him here,” said Wallace, who is seriously considering selecting Rubio with the Grizzlies’ lottery pick in the June 25 draft.”

Second: “Meanwhile, the Griz still are entertaining offers for the No. 2 pick as well as their 27th and 36th selections. As the rumor mill churns, the Griz have been approached by several teams about acquiring the second overall pick. Boston, Houston and New York are said to be among the most recent suitors. Boston and Houston would likely have to offer an established NBA player or two, given that neither team owns a first-round pick. New York owns the eighth pick and likely would want to move up for the opportunity to take Rubio.”

Hornets 24/7 looks at potential trade buddies: “OKC already rejected Chandler once – and there aren’t any assets the Hornets will be offering that would excite them much.”

The Baseline follows NBA players’ tweets and compiles the best ones each week. This week, three Thunderers made the list: “Nick Collison: Spencer hawes of the sac kings currently on the mic with mike roelfs singing come as u are.seattle classic.Shout to aberdeen WA and ia falls … Russell Westbrook: At tha bowling alley….I think I might change this too my new job … Kevin Durant: Man I was just walking out my hotel thinkin I was cool and my slipper got caught in some old gum and I fell over the trunk of sumbody car!”

I wonder if the Oklahoman knows that they already published a story about OKC being better off without Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen. This one was published yesterday, written by Darnell Mayberry. This one was published May 15th, written by Berry Tramel. I can’t wait for Jenni Carlson’s take on the Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis deals.

Several teams have expressed interest in Marcin Gortat: “Several teams have commented to HOOPSWORLD that Gortat is on the top of their free agent board including the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets. The New York Knicks have also expressed interest, which should come as no surprise considering the Knicks’ director of pro scouting is former Magic GM John Gabriel, who does most of his scouting at Magic games.”

Nick Collison appears to be growing a mustache. This can only end with fantastic results.

DeJuan Blair is jumping up draft boards: “Over the past four weeks, former Pitt star DeJuan Blair has trained harder than he had in his life. For five or six hours a day, Blair endured training sessions at the gym, in the weight room and on the treadmill at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Thanks to the regimented workout schedule and a strict diet, Blair sweated away more than 30 pounds. His new and improved body (he now weighs in at 275 pounds) and his impressive workouts for NBA scouts have solidified his position as a first-round selection in the NBA draft June 25, and he is on the cusp of being a lottery pick. Blair has rocketed up draft boards after spending a month in Florida, where he proved that he can be disciplined with his diet and demonstrated a tremendous desire to compete.”

Hey Sam Presti, put this kid on your board for 2021: “Here’s the deal. I received a facebook message that said the following: “My little brother is the top 8 year old in the country and we are hoping to get some publicity is there anyway you can help? Thank you. Below is a mixtape of my brother… thanks again” My reply to the dude? “Maybe the craziest thing anyone has ever asked me!!! HE’S IN 2ND GRADE!!!” Now I’ve succumbed. So world, introducing Dime cover athlete for issue #674… The 8 year sensation… Jordan Montgomery.” I don’t even know what to say. The top 2nd grader in the country? That’s just… sad.