In the realm of basketball, there are players who possess rare abilities that go beyond the ordinary. Ricky Rubio is one such individual, known for his exceptional vision and playmaking skills on the court. However, in a surprising announcement, Rubio has declared that his NBA career has come to an end after 12 remarkable seasons.
The 33-year-old Rubio, who has also had a illustrious international career representing Spain, revealed that he has been dealing with mental health issues, which led to his decision to step away from the game. While still striving to overcome these challenges, Rubio emphasized that he is 'doing much better and getting better every day.'
This disclosure comes after Rubio and the Cleveland Cavaliers reached an agreement on a contract buyout, freeing both parties from their obligations. The specifics of the arrangement are being finalized, but it is expected to provide some financial relief for the Cavs.
Rubio's past two seasons have been overshadowed by a torn knee ligament—an injury that not only affected him personally but also dealt a blow to a Cleveland team that he had played a vital role in revamping. Limited to only 33 games last season, Rubio lost his explosiveness due to his second ACL injury.
His absence was felt during this year's training camp, where he didn't report. Taking to social media, Rubio opened up about the challenges he was facing, describing a particularly tough night on July 30th. He admitted that his mind was spiraling towards darkness and, ultimately, he made the decision to retire from professional basketball.
In his statement, Rubio expressed his desire to support others going through similar struggles and promised to share his experiences when he feels ready. For now, he wishes to keep the details private out of respect for his family and his ongoing journey towards mental health recovery.
During his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rubio made a significant impact through his veteran presence, guiding and mentoring the team's young players. Reuniting with his close friend and former teammate, Kevin Love, who himself is a mental health advocate, seemed to bring him comfort and support.
Rubio's basketball journey has been quite remarkable, with his name becoming known to scouts and fans around the world when he was just 14 years old. From winning Olympic medals to being crowned FIBA World Cup MVP in 2019, his contributions to the sport are undeniable.
Drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2009, he spent seven seasons with the team before moving on to the Utah Jazz. Throughout his accomplished career, Rubio expressed gratitude to all the organizations he played for, with a special mention for Cleveland and team president Koby Altman, as well as coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Indeed, Rubio referred to Cleveland as his 'last home,' acknowledging the tough circumstances under which his time with the team came to an end. Nevertheless, he praised the organization for its understanding and care, noting their unwavering support for him as a person.
As we bid adieu to Ricky Rubio's NBA career, we can only reflect on the incredible impact he made on and off the court. With his unique skills and devotion to the game, he provided basketball fans with countless memorable moments. Now, as he embarks on a new chapter in his life, we can only hope that Rubio finds the strength and support he needs to overcome his mental health challenges and flourish in his future endeavors.
Farewell, Ricky Rubio. Your creativity and passion will be missed, but your journey to improve mental well-being will inspire us all.
