NBA: Timberwolves eyeing return of Rubio

Ricky Rubio #9 and Zach LaVine #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talk during a free throw in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 13, 2016 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Adam Bettcher/Getty Images/AFP

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio practiced Friday and appears close to returning to NBA action after missing five games with a sprained right elbow.

“He had a good day today,” Timberwolves coach Thibodeau told reporters. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow. He moved great. I didn’t get a chance to talk to him since practice ended, but he practiced very well.”

Rubio, who was hurt on October 29 in a game against the Sacramento Kings, will be listed as “questionable” for Saturday’s contest against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Thibodeau said the Timberwolves, trying to end a 12-year playoff drought, had missed Rubio’s intensity and savvy.

“Organization,” Thibodeau said of the advantages brought by the 26-year-old Rubio, who made his pro debut in Spain as a teenager, won Olympic silver with Spain in 2008 and bronze this year in Rio.

“Just the way he can push the ball, his decision-making and team defense. He’s all over the place,” Thibodeau said. “He brings a lot of energy. In transition he’s such a good decision-maker, he gets you a lot of easy baskets.”