Ricky Rubio says he's joining Timberwolves

[June 17, 2011]  BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- Ricky Rubio is joining the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The 20-year-old Spanish guard ended two years of speculation on Friday when he said, "I have finally decided to start the journey" to the NBA.

The Timberwolves selected Rubio with the No. 5 pick in the 2009 draft, but his $6 million buyout clause made him stay in Spain until the priced dropped to a more manageable $1.4 million.

Since his debut at 14, Rubio has won every title possible in Europe, but he struggled last season and lost his starting job at Barcelona.

Now the flashy playmaker will try to turn around the Timberwolves, who were an NBA-worst 17-65 last season.

[Associated Press; By JOSEPH WILSON]

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