Here's To You, Ricky

Raise your hand if you are devastated about Ricky Rubio's torn ACL. Me too. Him being out for the season and set to miss the Olympics due to a horrible knee injury (RIP Willis McGahee) is exactly that, horrible. But my larger concern is that this special point guard will never be the same, epically awesome basketball messiah ever again.

However, since one of my 2012 New Year's resolutions was to view the world with more of a glass-half-full type of attitude, I'll try my best to imagine that the Spaniard comes back next season better than ever—an MVP candidate and playoff contender to boot. In the meantime, we can raise a glass to RR and remember the good, nay the great times.


Rubio and I have a short but rich and memorable history together. When I drafted him extremely early, the guys and girl in our fantasy league cackled with joy. "What an idiot!" they bellowed high atop their high horses, caviar in hand, skeptical of Rubio's magic. But within just a few games I had proven them wrong: He was the best fantasy player in the league, period.

I have only attended one NBA game this season, New Jersey versus Minnesota. Watching Ricky live really emphasized how much fun he has while playing. He brings a joy to basketball that is unique and palpable, and left me grinning like an idiot on my way out of the arena. [Ed. Not all in the No Regard crew left that gut-wrenching Nets loss with smiles on our faces. So thanks a lot for the reminder.] He was also able to pull off what is one of my favorite basketball moments ever: the nutmeg assist on Dirk. It's the best play I have seen all season, period.

So here's to you, Ricky Rubio. Here's to the good times, a quick recovery, and this video.