Ricky Rubio steps away from professional basketball after 12-year NBA stint

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

One of the few remaining pure point guards in the current phase of basketball already called it a career and will be retiring from the NBA.

Thank you for running the show, Ricky Rubio.

Rubio already confirmed that he is retiring from the NBA after 12 years via a social media post on his official X account last January 5, 2023.

The Spanish hoops legend reiterated that he is still working on his mental health, the reason why he was also inactive during the start of the NBA season.

According to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rubio failed to report to a single session during their off-season training camp and was also absent during their team meetings.

Upon arriving at the Cleveland franchise, Rubio instantly made an impact after serving as the squad’s leader while also playing a vital role in the team’s young pool of ball handlers.

Since entering the NBA as a superstar straight out of Spain, Rubio quickly dazzled and was named a member of the All-Rookie First Team.

He spent his first six years with the Minnesota Timberwolves and would continue to play for the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and the Cavaliers.

Before declaring for the NBA draft, Rubio already reached superstar status in the EuroLeague, winning the championship during the 2010 season and was also triumphant in the Liga ACB and the Copa del Rey tournament.

He won the Mister Europa Player of the Year award last 2008 and was the Liga ACB Most Spectacular Player during the 2010 season.

At the FIBA level, Rubio also dominated and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) five years ago while also clinching the FIBA Young Player of the Year three times from 2007-2009.

Although Rubio failed to meet the expectations of the majority when he played in the NBA, the floor general is still considered one of the most respected international players.

“One day, when the time is right, I would love to share my full experience with you all so I can help support others going through similar situations. Until then, I would like to keep it private out of respect for my family and myself, as I’m still working on my mental health,” Rubio wrote in his statement.