CLEVELAND.- With an unusual view of the court, Ricky Rubio veteran of the NBAcould make a basic pass look like something extraordinary.
He was a true point guard.
After taking a break as a player—and Cleveland Cavaliers— this season to address his mental health issues, which he continues to work on, Rubio acknowledged that his career in NBA came to an end after 12 years.
Rubio, 33, who also has a distinguished international career with Spainreferred to his recent problems and added that “He is much better and getting better every day.”.
The player made the announcement on the social network X, formerly known as Twitter, after he reached an agreement with the Cavs to terminate his contracta person with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed to The Associated Press.
The Cavs will receive $6.1 million in financial relief this year and 6.4 million in 2024-25said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the parties are finalizing the deal.
Rubio has spent two seasons recovering from a torn knee ligament, an injury that was not only a personal blow, but a setback for the team he helped turn around after they won just 19 games in the previous two seasons.
Rubio was limited to just 33 games last season and lost his explosiveness after his second ACL injury.
He did not report to training camp this season and posted on social media that “July 30 was one of the worst nights of his life”.
“My mind went to a dark place. I knew I was heading in that direction, but I never thought I wasn’t in control of the situation. The next day I decided to end my professional career.”
Rubio’s new goal is to help:
Rubio said he hopes to be able to share his experience in the future.“to be able to help support others who are going through a similar situation.”
The Spaniard has been in the spotlight since he was a teenager and caught the eyes of viewers and fans at the age of 14 as a basketball prodigy. He won the Olympic silver medal in 2008 and bronze in 2012.in addition to being named MVP of the FIBA World Cup 2019.
He was selected in the first round of the 2009 Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves and spent seven seasons with the team before leaving for Utah.
Rubio thanked his teams, especially Cleveland and Koby Altmanthe president of operations, and the coach JB Bickerstaff.
FOUNTAIN: AP
