INQUIRER Sports

MINNEAPOLIS - Spanish teen star Ricky Rubio might not even make it to the NBA this season but his skills have sparked some NBA teams to try and obtain his rights from the patient Minnesota Timberwolves.

The chaos began when the T-Wolves selected point guard Rubio with the fifth pick in last week's NBA Draft and chose another point guard, US collegian Jonny Flynn, with the sixth pick.

At least one figures to find their way into the lineup when the Timberwolves open the 2009-2010 season, but Rubio might wind up staying with Spanish club DKV Joventut next season.

All of this has Timberwolves president David Kahn biding his time waiting to see what will happen rather than trying to push one way or another.

"The last thing we needed to do was be demanding and assertive," Kahn said. "I don't know how this is going to play out. There could be a lot of twists and turns. But I don't feel any self-imposed pressure that this needs to be resolved or concluded in any short fashion."

Kahn did tell T-Wolves fans that 18-year-old "virtuoso" Rubio "will be the starting point guard the day he walks in the door" by virtue of the passing skills that made him a breakout talent at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Flynn could jump into a starting role if Rubio stays in Europe and offer security should Rubio want a trade, forcing clubs to make strong deals to try and pry loose his rights.

"The organization needs to be very patient," Kahn said. "While we ask for patience, we will also tell people that we think down the road these kids will prove to be special."