Cleveland Cavaliers and Spanish National Team point guard Ricky Rubio has announced that he is putting his NBA and entire basketball career on hold indefinitely to focus on mental health.
“I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health. I want to thank all the support I have received from the [Spanish national] team to understand my decision,” Rubio said. “Today #family makes more sense than ever. Thank you. I would ask that my privacy be respected so that I can face these moments and be able to give more information when the time is right.”
Rubio was expected to lead Spain in the team’s attempt to defend their FIBA World Cup title in the Philippines. The Cavaliers guard left the team’s training camp this week in Madrid and didn’t play in Spain’s first warmup game against Venezuela.
The 32-year-old Rubio was named MVP of the last World Cup in 2019 in China. Spain is currently ranked No. 1 in the world ahead of the United States after winning the European championship last summer.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ricky Rubio & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Rubio appeared in 33 games for the Cavaliers last season. He averaged 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 34.3% from the field, 25.6% from beyond the arc and 80.0% from the free-throw line. He missed most of the 2022-23 season recovering from his second torn ACL.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ricky Rubio & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Rubio has two seasons and $12.5 million left on a contract signed with the Cavaliers last summer. He has career averages of 10.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.4 assists in 698 NBA games with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and Cavaliers.
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