In a Spanish radio interview Tuesday, Minnesota draft pick Ricky Rubio suggested that his dream is still to follow countryman Pau Gasol's path to the NBA, but said he might wait another season, particularly if NBA owners lock out players this summer.

However, as he has for months, the Timberwolves David Kahn maintains that he expects the 20-year-old point guard to play in Minnesota next season.

Rubio said that a lockout would be an "important" factor in making his decision.  It should also be pointed out that Rubio could sign with the Wolves this spring, before the league's current collective bargaining agreement expires, rather than risk having to sign a contract under the terms of the next agreement which might pay him considerably less money.

Since drafting him, Wolves management have maintained regular contact with the Spanish point guard. Also Wolves forward Kevin Love has struck up a relationship with Rubio, whom he met in August when his USA World Championship team played Rubio and the Spanish national team in an exhibition game in Madrid.