I think both of these guys deserve some love even though their time in Phoenix was short lived.
The Rubio signing was generally maligned by the media but he brought a steady veteran presence at the PG spot which we desperately needed after trotting out 3rd stringers and GLeaguers the past few seasons. He was well worth what we paid and really helped solidify things on the court.
Kelly brought an infectious attitude and energy to the team from the start. Real nice two-way player for us who helped turn the tide as a player who wanted to be here. And we got him for Walking Dead Ariza.
We aren't in this position without either of them. Oubre really was a bright spot during a dark season, and he should be paid royalties on "The Valley" jersey, because there is no way the Suns arn't obviously ripping off his "Valley Boyz" logo.
And I will miss Rubio a ton. Best point guard since Nash, and I wish there was a way we could have kept him, even with CP3 coming here. Love him as a teammate and as a leader.
Couldn’t do the trade without their contracts, but also couldn’t do the trade without the impact they had on the team. Kelly helped change the culture, Rubio made us a much more consistent team. Made 8-0 in the bubble possible and put us in position to get CP3. Very happy with both of their time here.
It’s too bad they didn’t have the new valley jerseys last year. That was tailor made for Kelly and I’d have liked to get one.
I actually think Kelly was underrated by a lot of fans. He could create offense (for himself), was athletic, played hard, hit some clutch shots and seemed to be a great locker room fit. He had some brain farts on D and could get some tunnel vision and the antics weren't for everyone, but to me that's all nit-picking. He was a massive energy and culture booster for a team that needed some personality.
Rubio was better than advertised. When he wasn't nicked up he was exactly what the team has been missing since... 2010? Great leader. All about the "we" and not the "me." And he kept defenses honest by hitting his spot-up 3s.
I hope they both get re-routed to teams that make them happy (in the East).
I actually think Kelly was underrated by a lot of fans. He could create offense (for himself), was athletic, played hard, hit some clutch shots and seemed to be a great locker room fit. He had some brain farts on D and could get some tunnel vision and the antics weren't for everyone, but to me that's all nit-picking. He was a massive energy and culture booster for a team that needed some personality.
Rubio was better than advertised. When he wasn't nicked up he was exactly what the team has been missing since... 2010? Great leader. All about the "we" and not the "me." And he kept defenses honest by hitting his spot-up 3s.
I hope they both get re-routed to teams that make them happy (in the East).
I don't think it is a stretch to say this was his best year ever.
I actually think Kelly was underrated by a lot of fans. He could create offense (for himself), was athletic, played hard, hit some clutch shots and seemed to be a great locker room fit. He had some brain farts on D and could get some tunnel vision and the antics weren't for everyone, but to me that's all nit-picking. He was a massive energy and culture booster for a team that needed some personality.
Rubio was better than advertised. When he wasn't nicked up he was exactly what the team has been missing since... 2010? Great leader. All about the "we" and not the "me." And he kept defenses honest by hitting his spot-up 3s.
I hope they both get re-routed to teams that make them happy (in the East).
Just mentioned in another thread, Oubre is one of my favorite players on the team, and I hate to see him go.
I appreciate everything Rubio did for the team. When he first came into the league I really wanted the Suns to get him, and I think his impact on the team cannot be ignored. If I had to nitpick, I wish we didn't have to move TJ or Melton to clear enough space to sign him. Oh well.
We aren't in this position without either of them. Oubre really was a bright spot during a dark season, and he should be paid royalties on "The Valley" jersey, because there is no way the Suns arn't obviously ripping off his "Valley Boyz" logo.
And I will miss Rubio a ton. Best point guard since Nash, and I wish there was a way we could have kept him, even with CP3 coming here. Love him as a teammate and as a leader.
Best PG since Nash? Dragic in 2014 was MIP and All-NBA third team.
“Are you crazy?! You think I’m going to go for seven years and try to get there? You enjoy the 2030 draft picks that we have holding? I want to try to see the game today.” — Ish 3/13/25
We aren't in this position without either of them. Oubre really was a bright spot during a dark season, and he should be paid royalties on "The Valley" jersey, because there is no way the Suns arn't obviously ripping off his "Valley Boyz" logo.
And I will miss Rubio a ton. Best point guard since Nash, and I wish there was a way we could have kept him, even with CP3 coming here. Love him as a teammate and as a leader.
Best PG since Nash? Dragic in 2014 was MIP and All-NBA third team.
Yep, not better than Dragic.
But he was they steady hand they needed last year.
Author of The Basketball Draft Fact Book: A History of Professional Basketball's College Drafts
Available from Scarecrow Press at - https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780810890695
Best PG since Nash? Dragic in 2014 was MIP and All-NBA third team.
Dragic was listed as a shooting guard. He and Bledsoe were almost dead even with assists.
I still think Rubio was the best pure point guard since Nash.
Bkref says he spent the majority of his time at PG (barely — 52%).
“Are you crazy?! You think I’m going to go for seven years and try to get there? You enjoy the 2030 draft picks that we have holding? I want to try to see the game today.” — Ish 3/13/25
Our Rubae
