Ricky Rubio Retirement: Why did Ex-Cavs G end his NBA career after 12 years?

Ricky Rubio, the seasoned guard, who wore his last basketball jersey for the Cleveland Cavaliers, sent shockwaves to all the NBA fans worldwide. Speculations echoed of a great possibility of his return to the hardwood, but if true, it might not be to the same place.

The Spanish veteran, known for orchestrating plays with finesse, revealed the reason for closing the chapter on his 12-year NBA journey.

Why did Ricky Rubio end his NBA career?

NBA veteran Ricky Rubio announced his retirement from professional basketball on January 4, 2024. Earlier the same day, Rubio and the Cleveland Cavaliers had agreed on a contract buyout, ending his tenure with the franchise.

Speaking of the reasons that prompted his decision, the player shed light on the personal struggles that he was facing with his career.

“July 30th was one of the toughest nights of my life”, said Rubio, shedding light on the internal struggles that led to this unprecedented decision.

“My mind went to a dark place. 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.”

As Rubio continued to elaborate in his recent twitter post, he hinted at the darkness that consumed him, a journey he wishes to share in due time in order to hopefully be of some help to others traversing through similar paths.

Rubio played 698 games, averaging 10 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists, with a shooting average of 38.8% from the field and 32% from beyond the arc in his career. He orchestrated plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and the Cleveland Cavalier, but his legacy extends beyond the NBA stat sheets.

The Spanish maestro is a craftsman on the court, his name is known to be among the league’s elite passers, leaving a lasting mark, even on the international stage with silver and bronze Olympic medals and a triumphant FIBA World Cup campaign in 2019 for his country.

Cavs and Ricky Rubio agree to a contract buyout

In the NBA world, where championship rings and setting new records usually end up being the top conversations, the Cleveland Cavaliers and their seasoned point guard Ricky Rubio have reached a pivotal point of parting ways.

Reports confirm that the Cavaliers and Rubio have forged an agreement on a contract buyout, indicating the conclusion of Rubio’s 12-year remarkable NBA odyssey.

The basketball community in the NBA met with an unprecedented surprise, after hearing the report from the ESPN. Rubio, a crafted veteran on the court, had been absent from the Cavaliers’ lineup for several months, tending to his mental health.

Rubio’s hiatus, which was catalyzed by an ACL injury, had been underlined by a three-year, approximately $18 million, deal that was inked before the 2021-22 season.

The contract buyout seems like a strategic maneuver that securely provides the Cavaliers some financial flexibility.

If Ricky Rubio is ever ready to hit the hardwood again, where do you think the Spanish veteran would restart his journey? Let us know in the comments down below!