Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio announced this Thursday his decision to end his NBA career after 12 years in the best league in the world, inactive since the break he decided to take last summer to “take care” of his mental health.
Rubio himself published on the social network ‘X’ the decision that he had made known to the media shortly before, reported by ESPN journalist Adrian Wojnarowski. The one from El Masnou resigned from the last World Cup and left the Spain squad, revealing the problem with his mental health for which he continues to battle.
“July 30 was one of the hardest nights of my life. My head went to a dark place, I knew the direction I was going, but I never thought that I was not in control of the situation. The next day I decided to finish my degree professional,” he wrote this Thursday, revealing what was a long-processed ending.
“Someday, when it’s timely, I’d love to share my experience with everyone so I can help others going through something similar. Until then, I’ll keep it private, out of respect for my family and myself, as I’m still working on my health.” mentally. I am proud to be able to say that I am much better and improving every day. I want to send this message to you today because my NBA career is over,” he adds.
Rubio thus confirmed the end of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers to end his NBA career, without closing the door on a possible return to the courts in Europe. “It all started in June 2009, draft night in New York. A dream. After playing 12 years in the NBA, with its ups and downs, I have made a lot of good memories and good relationships. Minnesota, Utah, Phoenix and Cleveland, thank you,” he remembers in his farewell.
“Special mention to Cleveland, my last home. I know that the way it ended has been hard, I never thought it would go this way, but you have a great franchise, with Koby and JB who have understood and respected my situation to the maximum, worried about me as a person. Thank you all,” he concludes.
In this way, Ricky Rubio, 33, ended his journey in the NBA after the last three years in Cleveland. The Catalan point guard missed an entire year recovering from a serious knee injury, the second of his career, suffered at the end of 2021.
The point guard came to the NBA after shining for Joventut and later playing for Barça for two years. Rubio was the fifth pick of the 2009 NBA Draft to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he played the first six years of his career before spells with the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and Cavaliers.
