So I'm confused on how this affects Rubio's status?
If you take Rubio, you have to keep an empty roster spot open for him until he comes to the NBA. Otherwise he's a free agent.
NBA teams don't have to do that, can't you just keep his draft rights?
That would be an unfair advantage, IMO. Essentially, that GM would get two players for the price of one.
Not necessarily, they would still have to drop someone to pick up Rubio when he is available if they have his rights.
And they're not getting to pick the player they probably really want. So I guess yes, in 2011 they'll have 2 players for teh price of one..but in the meantime, they won't have Earl Clarke or whoever tehy'd pick..and they won't get any production out of Rubio for 3 years.
Also the play they'll be getting will be off the waiver wire. So who cares if they pick up Ruben patterson..that's a pretty horrible player. They're still not improving their team in tehs hort term with and unjust advantage.