All-Value Free Agent Team – Point Guard: Ricky Rubio, Cleveland Cavaliers
For the purposes of this article, we’ll be evaluating the value of players both subjectively and using a more objective calculation based on a player’s estimated wins added. In both cases, Ricky Rubio grades out as a tremendous value signing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavs signed Rubio to a three-year, $18.44 million contract. Going by Seth Partnow’s recent article ($$) explaining the cost of an NBA win, which he pegged as $3.44 million per win, Rubio would need to add 5.36 wins over the course of three seasons to justify the offer, or 1.79 per season.
Last season, per Estimated Plus-Minus, Rubio contributed 2.8 wins to the Cavs…in just 34 games. He was on pace to provide more than those 5.36 wins last season alone. Even if he misses most of this season, a Rubio anywhere near as productive as last season will be an insane value. John Hollinger estimated that a healthy Rubio would be worth $15.48 million this upcoming season alone, behind only Jalen Brunson on the free agent point guard market.
Subjectively, Rubio was an amazing locker room presence last season. He had instant chemistry with Kevin Love, was at least a small part of Darius Garland’s breakout season, and was a constant in so many of the Cavs’ best lineups. He can provide value even off the court, and when he returns to it he will be set up to far exceed this contract value.