As you probably know by now Ricky Rubio has agreed to play with the Minnesota Timberwolves this upcoming season. Not only is this great news for the Timberwolves but it brings them back to the situation that they faced on draft night when they selected Rubio, who will be the starting point guard? With two talented young point guards in Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn, the Timberwolves only have room for one.
Well after much excitement from the Timberwolves front office and from star player Kevin Love about Rubio agreeing to come, one would only speculate that Flynn’s days are done in Minnesota. The Minnesota Star Tribune reports “almost certainly will be traded this month.” So where could the young 22 year old end up? Let’s break it down.
Atlanta: With aging point guard Kirk Hinrich who was battling hamstring injuries throughout the year and in his final year of his contract the Hawks have to start thinking about a point guard. Now with young point guard Jeff Teague on hand the Hawks could go with him as an option especially the way he played in the playoffs averaging 14.8 points and 4.1 assists in the six game series against the Bulls.
Chances of Flynn going there: Slim
Boston: The Boston Celtics have one of the best point guards in the NBA in Rajon Rondo and at age 25 Rondo, still young is improving every day. After coming off a very impressive season of averaging 10.6 points and 11.2 assists per game Rondo without question is their point guard for the future and for now. However the Celtics love improving their bench and loading it up with some young talent. With Carlos Arroyo not expected to be back next season in Boston and a huge question mark with Avery Bradley another addition of young point guard could be something the Celtics are looking to do.
Chances of Flynn going there: Could happen
Charlotte Bobcats: With D.J. Augstin having a good season averaging 14.4 points and 6.1 assists per game he appears to be the longtime starter in Charlotte for now. Backing him up is Shaun Livingston who ended the season with a back injury. With a full a backcourt the addition of adding another point guard wouldn’t seem likely.
Chances of Flynn going there: Slim
Chicago Bulls: Two words, Derrick Rose. Being the M.V.P. of the 2010-11 NBA season there’s not a chance that the Bulls are looking to pick up a point guard. However with Jannero Pargo, C.J. Watson, and John Lucas backing him up you don’t have to count them out of the trade talks for Flynn, but don’t expect them to start them.
Chances of Flynn going there: Not Happening
Cleveland Cavilers: As you know Dan Gilbert doesn’t like to bring players in, which was part of the reasoning that Lebron left. So with Baron Davis already there and two top five draft picks the odds of the Cavilers going for Flynn aren’t likely to happen.
Chances of Flynn going there: Not Happening
Dallas Mavericks: At age 38 Jason Kidd’s retirement speech could come at any day. However the way he has been playing and feeling no one really knows when that day could be. Backing him up is point guard J.J. Barea who has come alive during this playoffs proving that he could be a great candidate for Kidd’s replacement. With so many questions don’t count Flynn out but don’t count him in either.
Chances of Flynn going there: Could Happen
Denver Nuggets: With a loaded back court with point guards Ty Lawson and Raymond Felton the Nuggets have bigger problems then bringing in Jonny Flynn. Problems such as bringing in a dominate scorer and picking a starting point guard.
Chances of Flynn going there: Not Happening
Detroit Pistons: Under new ownership for the fourth time and dealing with many other problems such as determining Richard Hamilton’s future and picking a new coach, the Pistons have a lot of problems on their plate. However Flynn could be one of those things on the plate as both Rodney Stuckey and Will Bynum weren’t fan favorites last season, though either was anyone else.
Chances of Flynn going there: Slim
Golden State Warriors: With four point guards listed on the depth chart, that in itself already says that their not looking for a point guard. Then with the up and coming talent Stephen Curry on the roster the need of a point guard isn’t a must. However adding Flynn to the roster could be an option despite having three back up point guards.
Chances of Flynn going there: Could Happen
Houston Rockets: After taking over the full role of the starting point guard this season after Aaron Brook’s departure, Kyle Lowry showed the world that he deserved a starting spot on the Houston Rockets. Averaging 13.5 points and 6.7 assists per game Lowry’s starting job despite a new coach at the start of the season appears to be a lock. As for back up Goran Dragic his spot behind Lowry doesn’t appear to be in jeopardy.
Chances of Flynn going there: Doubtful
Indiana Pacers: With a young loaded back court with Darren Collison and A.J. Price the need for another point guard is very unlikely. The only thing the Pacers are focused on right now is making their post-season next year, last longer.
Chances of Flynn going there: Not Happening
Los Angles Clippers: A young and up and coming team who’s loaded with young talent in their back court and their front court. The need for a point guard with star Mo Williams who averaged 14.0 points and 6.6 assists per game last year is very unlikely and with Eric Bledsoe as his back up don’t expect to see any new faces their.
Chances of Flynn going there: Not Happening
Los Angles Lakers: With the point guard position being the Lakers focal point this off-season as it hurt them badly during this post-season, a speedy young guard like Jonny Flynn would be a great fit in Hollywood. Even though Fisher says he’s not close to retirement Flynn would still be a great fit as he could learn from the veteran point guard himself.
Chances of Flynn going there: Likely
Memphis Grizzlies: After the Grizzles surprising playoff run this season it would be very shocking to see them make too many changes, especially at the point guard position. With a young talented point guard in Mike Conley and a back up in Greivis Vasquez who showed moments of being great this post-season, the odds of another point guard to the mix most likely won’t happen.
Chances of Flynn going there: Not Happening
Miami Heat: After a great off-season acquiring superstars Lebron James and Chris Bosh the Miami Heat are strong at the core, but very weak at the center and point guard positions. With fading old veteran Mike Bibby and the young Mario Chalmers at the point none really fit the role of a starting point guard in the NBA. So the likely hood that the Miami Heat will try to improve at the point guard position is very possible and in a buy low situation for Jonny Flynn I don’t see why the Heat wouldn’t.
Chances of Flynn going there: Likely