Ricky Rubio won't play again in this stink-bomb season, and that's a wise move by the Timberwolves if viewed in the context of their hopeless situation.
The team officially ended Rubio's season Saturday because his injured left ankle is still sore and not responding well to treatment, according to Flip Saunders.
Whether you buy that explanation or remain skeptical about the team's motives, this outcome became inevitable.
Rubio shouldn't risk further damage to his ailing ankle. And the Wolves shouldn't risk possibly screwing up their draft lottery position since they put their fans through misery in pursuit of a top pick.
"I don't think anyone thought it was going to take the turn that it took, and how long for him," Saunders said of Rubio's injury. "They're trying to do some different things to see if they can get him pain-free."
The injury limited Rubio to 22 games, which means he's only played in 202 of a possible 312 games in his four seasons — about 65 percent.
That's a problem.
Rubio turns 25 early next season. He's not old or maybe even entering his prime yet. But he's not a young, unproven player anymore, either.