Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio introduced over the summer time that he can be stepping away from basketball to give attention to his psychological well being.
On Thursday, he introduced his retirement after 12 seasons in the NBA.
Ricky Rubio, #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, seems to be on through the third quarter of a NBA recreation towards the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Middle on Dec. 28, 2021 in New Orleans. (Sean Gardner/Getty Photos)
Rubio, who additionally had a prolific worldwide profession representing his native Spain, penned an open letter to followers on social media to share his choice, including that he’s nonetheless “working” on his psychological well being.
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“I needed to publish this message for you in the present day as a result of my NBA profession has come to an finish,” the letter, posted to X, learn.
“It began [in] June 2009, draft evening in New York. What a dream. After enjoying 12 years within the league, with all its ups and downs, I’ve collected plenty of good recollections and nice relationships. Minnesota, Utah, Phoenix and Cleveland. Wow. Thanks!”
Ricky Rubio, #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, shoots a free throw through the recreation towards the Washington Wizards on Dec. 3, 2021 at Capital One Area in Washington, D.C. (Stephen Gosling/NBAE by way of Getty Photos)
Rubio, who gained a gold medal with Spain within the 2019 World Cup, stepped away from the game citing psychological well being issues in August.
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“I’ve determined to cease my skilled exercise to maintain my psychological well being,” he mentioned in an announcement on the time. “I need to thank all of the assist I’ve obtained from the FEB (Spanish Basketball Federation) to know my choice. Right this moment #LaFamilia makes extra sense than ever. Thanks.”
On the time, Cavaliers common supervisor Koby Altman launched an announcement in assist of Rubio’s choice.
“We perceive how tough of a choice this was for him and can steadiness offering no matter assist we are able to whereas concurrently respecting Ricky’s request for privateness.”
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Rubio’s letter on Thursday didn’t point out any specifics, however he clarified that he’s nonetheless engaged on his psychological well being after his “thoughts went to a darkish place.”
“At some point, when the time is correct, I might like to share my full expertise with you all so I may also help assist others going by way of comparable conditions. Till then, I want to preserve it non-public out of respect for my household and myself, as I’m nonetheless engaged on my psychological well being. However I’m proud to say I’m doing a lot better and getting higher on a regular basis.”
Ricky Rubio, #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, brings the ball up courtroom within the fourth quarter throughout their recreation towards the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Middle on March 12, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Photos)
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Rubio was drafted within the first spherical by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2009 and spent seven seasons with the group earlier than going to Utah. He missed the vast majority of the previous two seasons whereas recovering from a torn left ACL, and he returned to the Cavs primarily as a reserve for 33 video games on the finish of final season.
“Particular point out to Cleveland. My final house. I know how issues ended have been powerful. I may by no means have imagined the 12 months would develop this manner, however you’ve an incredible group, with Koby and JB, who’ve been extraordinarily respectful and understanding of my state of affairs and caring for me as an individual. Thanks all for the love and assist!”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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