Ricky Rubio is not Pete Maravich

In 2009 when the Timberwolves drafted the exciting 18 year old Spaniard, the comparisons began immediately to Pistol Pete. The young player was full of exciting “Professor” like dribbles and dimes from every angle. He also had a similar lanky frame topped by a floppy mop. Yet, the comparisons truly stop there!

Now that Rubio is finally here Sportscenter and “experts” continue to give the Pistol reference. I want to make sure people realize who Pistol Pete was. Pistol Pete was a flashy, 6’4”-6’-5” lanky guard who could pass from any angle, and his handles were cat like! Those similarities I give to Rubio but one thing Pete did do was SCORE! Pete Maravich is the all-time leading NCAA scorer, before the 3pt line and freshman were not allowed to play in his day. He averaged 44.2 pts a game …over 3 years! Maravich in the pros had tamer stats but still over his 10 year career he averaged a healthy 24pts a game. Rubio on the other hand has never averaged over 10 pts in any one professional season. Pete scored 50 or more 6 times in the NBA, including a 68 pt night against the Knicks in 1977! In college he scored over 50 a few more times…like 28!

The believer will then tell you, “It’s his passing that draws the real comparison”…Pete Maravich averaged 5.4 Assists per game over his 10 yr. NBA career and 6.5 during his college heyday! Ricky on the other hand has never had more than 5.8 in one season and only 3.7 in his pro career. Rubio is a fine highlight player that can have plenty of youtube mixtapes but that’s it. Pistol Pete lived a highlight real.

Next you will hear noise about how few minutes Rubio has played. If he is so amazing why is he only playing 20 minutes a game? Is it because he can’t shoot? Rubio is a 37% career shooter and Pete 44! There is a reason and I think after the Top 10 luster is off we will see that Rubio could become a solid point but will never earn the right to be compared to the Pistol.

I have nothing against Rubio, I just want people to stop comparing him to Pete.

Here’s a nice piece to remember Pete on the floor. Watch the play at about 1:55. Ridiculous.

Follow @StraitSportsG on Twitter