Ricky Rubio Retires From NBA After 12 Seasons

Ricky Rubio Retires From NBA After 12 Seasons

Shortly after it was reported Thursday that the Cleveland Cavaliers veteran guard Ricky Rubio agreed to a contract buyout, Rubio announced that he was retiring from the NBA after 12 seasons.

“It all started on June 2009, draft night in New York,” he wrote in his statement. “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 have never imagined the year would develop this way, but you have an amazing organization, with Koby (Altman) and JB (Bickerstaff), who have been extremely respectful and understanding of my situation and caring for me as a person.

“Thank you for all the love and support!”

Check out his full statement here:

… pic.twitter.com/3NzE2QKO5F

— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) January 4, 2024

Rubio, 33, took a leave of absence in August to focus on mental and did not play this season with Cleveland. He was originally on the books for $6.1 million this season and $6.5 million ($4.25M guaranteed) in 2024-25, the final year of his contract, according to Spotrac.

The 6-foot-2 guard was drafted by the Timberwolves No. 5 overall in 2009. He spent the first six seasons with Minnesota, beginning in 2011, after spending two seasons with Regal FC Barcelona in Spain.

Rubio appeared in 698 career NBA games–including 603 starts–averaging 10.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.8 steals in 29.6 minutes per game. He shot 38.8 percent from the floor, 32.4 percent from the 3-point line and 84.3 percent from the free-throw line.

His best season came in 2017-18, his first with the Utah Jazz. He averaged 13.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.6 steals on 41.8 percent shooting with a career-best 47.6 effective field goal percentage and a 53.7 true-shooting percentage, the second-best mark of his career.

We wish you a happy and healthy retirement, Ricky! Best of luck with your future endeavors.

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