Rubio works out with team, helps family in need

Ricky Rubio of Spain is the new point guard of the Minnesota Timberwolves. AP

BLOOMINGTON, Minnesota—Ricky Rubio jokingly promised that he would keep his credit card in his pocket on his first trip to the Mall of America so his family didn’t buy everything in sight.

But he didn’t mind bringing it out for a good cause on Saturday. The Minnesota Timberwolves’ new point guard went shopping with a 3-year-old who lost his home to a tornado, helping the boy build a teddy bear to lift his spirits during a difficult time.

The Timberwolves told Rubio about the situation when he arrived from Spain on Monday. He told them he was happy to take a little time during a hectic week to help a family in need, just two days before he is scheduled to return to Spain.

Rubio also worked out with some of his Timberwolves teammates.