After 12 years in the NBA, Cleveland Cavaliers star Ricky Rubio is stepping away from playing professional basketball.
The 32-year-old guard announced that he has “decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health.”
In a statement, Rubio thanked the Spanish national team for understanding his choice and asked for privacy so that he can “face these moments and be able to give more information when the time is right.”
Ricky Rubio announced he’s putting his career on hold to focus on his mental health. pic.twitter.com/A80ibVV4nJ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) August 5, 2023
It is obviously not clear what Rubio is going through right now but it is serious enough for him to put the brakes on his career and his time with his Spanish basketball team.
Rubio has been a very important role player for a few teams throughout his career.
Since starting with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2011, Rubio has played for the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and the Cavaliers.
During his last two years with the Cavs, Rubio has become a player-coach in many ways as well as a bench player.
He has had an impact on many of the young players on the roster, including Darius Garland.
Throughout his career, Rubio has averaged 10.8 points and 7.4 assists.
Rubio has not only been a great playmaker and facilitator but he’s been important for the culture and chemistry of each of his teams.
Rubio said he is stepping away from the game to focus on his well-being so we don’t know how long this hiatus will be.
There is a chance that he has played his last game of professional basketball.
Hopefully, he can resolve these issues as soon as possible so we can enjoy more of him on the court and he can feel at peace.
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