Rubio’s return may wait until 2013

Ricky Rubio has for three weeks now been running on his surgically repaired knee, though his return remains well on the horizon. Rubio said he could play his next NBA game by December, nine months after he tore two ligaments there. “I don’t know, they say December, but it could be January,” he said. “I don’t want to say a time because I don’t want to rush it. I want to be ready when I am ready.” Rubio returned to Vail, Colo., three weeks ago for another checkup with his surgeon and was given approval to begin running again in three- minute segments alternated with walking. He plans one more trip there to see knee specialist Dr. Richard Steadman. “But it’s just to shake the hand with the doctor when I’m ready, when I’m ready to roll,” he said.