Ricky Rubio wasn’t like anybody else. The wonder boy from Spain, who turned pro at 14 years old and made his debut with the Minnesota Timberwolves as a 21-year-old in 2011, has announced his retirement from the NBA.
Rubio, 33, didn’t go into details about his decision to step away from the league, only saying more of his story will be told when the “time is right. He cracking open the window into his world slightly by revealing that his mind “went to a dark place” last summer and he’s still “working on my mental health.”
Rubio had been away from the Cleveland Cavaliers to focus on his mental health and on Thursday Rubio and the Cavs agreed to a contract buyout, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Rubio’s personal message announcing his retirement from the NBA:
“Hello,
July 30th was one of the toughest nights of my life. 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 all so I can help support others going through similar situations. Until then, I would like to keep it private out of respect for my family and myself, as I’m still working on my mental health. 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.
It all started on June 2009, draft night in New York. What a dream. After playing 12 years in the league, with all its up and downs, I have collected lots of good memories and great relationships. Minnesota, Utah, Phoenix and Cleveland. Wow. Thank you!
Special mention to Cleveland. My last home. I know the way things ended have been tough. I could never have imagined the year would develop this way, but you have an amazing organization, with Koby and JB, who have been extremely respectful and understanding of my situation and caring for me as a person.
Thank you all for the love and support!”
Rubio was famously selected fifth overall by the Timberwolves in the 2009 NBA Draft. The Wolves followed up by taking fellow point guard Johnny Flynn sixth overall, with the Warriors selecting Steph Curry with the No. 7 pick.
Rubio debuted with the Timberwolves in 2011 and spent seven of his 12 seasons in the NBA with Minnesota. The first stint lasted through the 2016-17 season and he later returned to play 68 games in 2020-21.
He also spent two seasons with the Jazz, one year with the Suns and the last two seasons of his career with the Cavaliers.
Rubio averaged 10.8 points and 7.4 assists for his career.
