Cleveland Cavaliers: 2 realistic expectations for Ricky Rubio in 2021-22

1 of 3

Then-Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio brings the ball up the floor. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Cavaliers made a no-brainer selection in Evan Mobley at #3 overall in the 2021 NBA Draft on Thursday night, and while does need to fill out physically, he should be a difference-maker for Cleveland from the jump.

To that point, even with me personally of the opinion that Cleveland should’ve traded for another pick, which they were reportedly considering doing, Mobley should make this latest draft a success in the near future. With his wide-ranging skill set, he should fit the modern NBA so well, and I firmly believe he’ll be a great security blanket for the Cavaliers guards.

Along with the Mobley selection, Cleveland’s other significant roster move on Thursday was them trading Taurean Prince, a 2022 second-round pick via the Washington Wizards and cash to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Ricky Rubio.

Prince did aid Cleveland’s bench last season post-trade from the Brooklyn Nets as a catch-and-shoot player and tertiary shot creator, but he did have trouble staying healthy. With the injury woes for him with them and with Prince expiring, it did seem reasonable that could potentially be traded before next season, and with Cleveland’s backup point guard need, this was a good move I thought.

So with the Rubio trade acquisition in mind, what should we expect from him next season for the Cavaliers, then?

Here, we’ll hit on two realistic expectations for Rubio for the Cavs in 2021-22.

The first of those has to do with his playmaking for the Wine and Gold, mostly off the bench, with Darius Garland in mind in this case, I would think.