Ricky Rubio announces NBA retirement after stepping away to focus on mental health
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.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ricky Rubio retires from NBA after stepping away for mental health
