Spanish international basketball star, Ricky Rubio (33), has called it quits on his career after reaching a contract buyout with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, January 4, 2024, to focus on his mental health.
The former Barcelona star said he would reveal his experience with mental health battles when the time was right.
“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.”
“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.”
Rubio entered the NBA Draft in 2009, going fifth overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was named in the NBA first team All-Rookie in his debut season (2011).
The 2019 FIBA World Cup MVP was traded to the Utah Jazz following six-long seasons with Minnesota in 2017, where he would play for two seasons before moving to the Phoenix Suns.
Rubio moved back to Minnesota in 2020 and was traded to Cleveland in 2021, suffering a season-ending ACL injury to his left knee in the 2021–22 season.
The Cavaliers traded him to the Indiana Pacers in February 2022 following his injury, but failed to play a game for the team before resigning with Cleveland in 2022 and played in 33 games last season.
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