Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio will miss the remainder of his rookie season with an ACL tear in his left knee.
The injury, revealed by an MRI taken early Saturday, was sustained late in Minnesota's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.
A first round selection (fifth overall) by the Timberwolves in the 2009 NBA Draft, Rubio, 21, led all rookies in minutes played, assists and steals and had been named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for January.
"Obviously, Ricky's injury is an unfortunate turn of events for him and our team," said Timberwolves president of basketball operations David Kahn. "Ricky is a competitor, and I am confident that he will work hard to get back on the court next year and continue his progression as one of the top point guards in our league."
Luke Ridnour and J.J. Barea are expected to take over for Rubio at point guard in his absence.
In 41 games (31 starts) Rubio averaged 10.6 points, 8.2 assists (5th in the NBA), 4.2 rebounds and 2.22 steals (3rd in the NBA) per contest.
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