ESP - Sada waiting in the wings

BARCELONA (Olympics) - Only a couple of months ago, last Sunday’s NBA clash between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets would have been a game to savor for Spanish basketball fans because of two national team stars.

Ricky Rubio was making dazzling passes as a rookie point guard for the Timberwolves and shooting guard Rudy Fernandez was providing a spark on both ends of the floor for the Nuggets.

The presence of the two former Joventut Badalona stars would have made sure the game would have been watched all over Spain.

A serious knee injury ended Rubio's season early, though, and just last week, Denver announced that Fernandez needed a back operation that is likely to end his campaign, too.

The health of both players is cause for real concern back home in Spain because the national team is going to be at the Olympics and both players only make Sergio Scariolo’s squad stronger.

While Rubio is out of the Olympics, Fernandez still has a good chance of being in London.

What the injuries to the backcourt duo have shown is that depth is important for every national side.

Spain, who have Jose Calderon and Juan Carlos Navarro as starters at the guard spots, have more options than most national sides when it comes to replacing injured stars.

Victor Sada of Barcelona, a member of last year’s EuroBasket squad, is among those ready to fill in.

"There is that possibility because the previous experience was positive,” Sada said, when asked about his chances of travelling to London with Spain.

“We won gold at the EuroBasket and when things go well there is no need to make drastic changes.

“I hope I can return to the national team because I would love to take part in the Olympics and because to be with national team is very beautiful and very special.”

Sada is right now playing a valuable role for Barcelona as they attempt to reach the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four.

Barca lead their best-of-five Quarter-Final against Unics Kazan, 2-0.

FIBA