Gregg Popovich has some advice for Ricky Rubio and any other international players who are looking to adjust to life in America: don’t do it. When superstars from overseas come to America to play in the NBA, one of the topics we always love to beat into the ground is whether or not they’ll be able to adjust to a new lifestyle. According to Popovich, they shouldn’t even try to make the adjustment.
“These guys, they travel around the world,” Popovich said after the Timberwolves beat the Spurs on Monday according to the Star Tribune. “They’re more cultured than we are. Everyone acts like Americans are the ones … we have sort of an arrogance about us. Like we’re the cultured ones? Are you serious? Have you watched TV lately? Have you seen what Americans do? How many languages do you speak? And you wonder how they’re going to adjust to our culture? I hope they avoid it and keep their own!”
Well played, Pop. That is some serious advice from a veteran NBA coach who has won multiple championships. Forget about trying to do the Dougie and ignore those folks at the airport giving you the rock star treatment. Pay no attention to the grueling NBA schedule.
As far as Minnesota fans are concerned, Rubio has been adjusting fairly well. He has been particularly good late in games and seems like a natural fit with the T-Wolves. Maybe he has already taken Pop’s advice.
Chest bump to Pro Basketball Talk for the quote
