The Minnesota Timberwolves got a big boost when Kevin Love returned to the court.  Now, they may get another boost earlier than they expected.  Ricky Rubio, who underwent knee surgery toward the end of last season, may be back sooner than most expected.

Rubio was initially thought to be out until well after Christmas.  However, he has been working out on his own, and Rubio may be back sooner than expected says Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.


Rubio will head to Vail, Colorado to see his surgeon.  The hope is that after this meeting, he will be cleared for full contact practice.  If that happens, Rubio could be back on the court much sooner than Christmas.  The team still has not put a timetable on Rubio's return, but the very fact that he is going to see his surgeon to try and get clearance is encouraging.

Rubio was supposed to be part of young core of players designed to help Minnesota rise up and be a competitor.  Last season, the team finished 26-40 and Rubio blew out his knee.  This year was supposed to be different.  And so far, in the early season, it is.  The Timberwolves are 5-7 and hanging in there.  With Love's return, the team was hoping to turn a corner.  Now, with Rubio's potential return, they may be able to compete and get their record over .500.  Of course, that will depend on Rubio's level of production upon return.

Last season, Rubio's first in the NBA, he averaged 10.6 points per game and 8.2 assists per game.  He was the prototypical point guard the Wolves were hoping he would be.  The team had to wait longer than expected for Rubio to eventually be released from his Spanish team.  Rubio was drafted back in 2009, but he did not make his debut until the season-opener last year.  
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