Current:Home > InvestRicky Rubio announces NBA retirement after stepping away to focus on mental health-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Ricky Rubio announces NBA retirement after stepping away to focus on mental health
View Date:2024-12-23 22:36:20
After stepping away from the court to focus on his mental health, veteran guard Ricky Rubio is ending his NBA career.
The Cleveland Cavaliers guard announced his decision on social media Thursday. In August, the Spanish star said he was stepping away from basketball to take care of his mental health. Several outlets reported Rubio had reached a contract buyout with Cleveland earlier on Thursday.
"July 30th was one of the toughest nights of my life," Rubio said Thursday. "My mind went to a dark place. I kind of knew I was going on that direction, but I've never thought I wasn't under control of the situation. The next day, I decided to stop my professional career."
The guard also said he would keep the manner private right now out of respect for him and his family.
"One day, when the time is right, I would love to share my full experience with you so I can help support others going through similar situations," Rubio added. "But I'm proud to say I'm doing much better and getting better everyday.
"I wanted to post this message for you today because my NBA career has come to an end."
Ricky Rubio NBA career
A professional star in Spain, Rubio was a heralded prospect when he entered the NBA Draft in 2009, going fifth overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves. After playing two more season with FC Barcelona in Spain, Rubio made his NBA debut with Minnesota in 2011 and was named NBA first-team All-Rookie that season.
Rubio spent six seasons in Minnesota before he was traded to the Utah Jazz in 2017. He'd play two seasons in Utah before signing with the Phoenix Suns in 2019. He was traded back to Minnesota in 2020 and was traded to Cleveland in 2021.
Rubio suffered a season-ending ACL injury to his left knee in the 2021-22 season. He was traded from the Cavaliers to the Indiana Pacers in February 2022 following his injury, but did not appear in a game for the team. He then signed with Cleveland in 2022 and played in 33 games last season.
The guard was also an international star for Spain, as he was the MVP of the 2019 World Cup in China for his country, and he was part of the team that won silver in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and bronze at 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Rubio finishes his career averaging 10.8 points per game along with 7.4 assists her game. He was one of the top passers in the league, ranking in the top 20 in assists per game in eight of his 12 seasons.
"After playing 12 years in the league, with all its up and downs, I have collected lots of good memories and great relationships," Rubio said. "Minnesota, Utah, Phoenix and Cleveland. Wow. Thank you!"
Rubio also thanked the Cavaliers organization for being "extremely respectful and understanding" of his situation. He also did not rule out playing basketball again in his home country.
veryGood! (46997)
Related
- FBI offers up to $25,000 reward for information about suspect behind Northwest ballot box fires
- Katy Perry Reveals Orlando Bloom's Annoying Trait
- 2024 Olympics: Runner Noah Lyles Exits Race in Wheelchair After Winning Bronze With COVID Diagnosis
- The Ultimate Guide to Microcurrent Therapy for Skin: Benefits and How It Works (We Asked an Expert)
- 13 escaped monkeys still on the loose in South Carolina after 30 were recaptured
- American Sam Watson sets record in the speed climb but it's not enough for Olympic gold
- USA Olympic Diver Alison Gibson Reacts to Being Labeled Embarrassing Failure After Dive Earns 0.0 Score
- Taylor Swift Terror Plot: Police Reveal New Details on Planned Concert Attack
- Joel Embiid injury, suspension update: When is 76ers star's NBA season debut?
- Will Steve Martin play Tim Walz on 'Saturday Night Live'? Comedian reveals his answer
Ranking
- What to know about Mississippi Valley State football player Ryan Quinney, who died Friday
- University of Georgia panel upholds sanctions for 6 students over Israel-Hamas war protest
- ‘Alien: Romulus’ actors battled lifelike creatures to bring the film back to its horror roots
- 2024 Olympics: Swimmers Are Fighting Off Bacteria From Seine River by Drinking Coca-Cola
- See Chris Evans' Wife Alba Baptista Show Her Sweet Support at Red One Premiere
- Noah Lyles tested positive for COVID-19 before winning bronze in men's 200
- 'Chef Curry' finally finds his shot and ignites USA basketball in slim victory over Serbia
- Handlers help raise half-sister patas monkeys born weeks apart at an upstate New York zoo
Recommendation
-
More human remains from Philadelphia’s 1985 MOVE bombing have been found at a museum
-
VP Candidate Tim Walz Has Deep Connections to Agriculture and Conservation
-
A father lost his son to sextortion swindlers. He helped the FBI find the suspects
-
Love Is the Big Winner in Paris: All the Athletes Who Got Engaged During the 2024 Olympics
-
Why Suits' Gabriel Macht Needed Time Away From Harvey Specter After Finale
-
Today Only! Save Up to 76% on Old Navy Bottoms – Jeans, Pants, Skirts & More Starting at $6
-
Why Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker Is Doubling Down on Controversial Speech Comments
-
Katy Perry Reveals Orlando Bloom's Annoying Trait