NBA players are showing their social networking savvy by utilizing Twitter and Facebook to communicate with each other and to fans about games and their lives. The players are using these platforms to respond to comments from fans about games and performance and even to each other regarding issues around the NBA community including wishing each other well when injuries occur or players are in a slump.

The NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves have a player that is getting just such attention. Ricky Rubio, one of their point guards has been in a bit of a slump. He currently has an average Player Efficiency Rating but has been losing the ball with a very high 22 percent turnover rate and has been shooting only 35 percent from the floor. Not good if you are a point guard.

So when Rubio injured his ACL on Friday night in a game against the LA Lakers there was a flood of legitimate and heartfelt sadness and sympathy for the rookie from his colleagues on the the court. A truly tough break with NBA playoffs still to be played and the excitement of March Madness in the air. Ricky will be working on his recovery and return but it’s heartening to know that the NBA community is so caring and that they are willing to communicate with each and with fans through these social networking platforms.