By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Ricky Rubio was excused from the 2023 NBA Preseason Media Day organized by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.
Rubio, 32, continues to focus on his mental health. During the offseason, he paused his professional career, thus skipping representing Spain in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. His absence expanded to the Cavs officially opening the training camp for the 2023-24 Regular Season.
“We remain fully supportive of Ricky and his efforts, which for now are best continued away from the team and have excused his absence from camp,” noted the team, “We remain in regular communication and consultation with Ricky and will continue to assist him in any way possible.”
“He’s working to get himself right,” added President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman during Media Day, “We give him that time and that runway to get himself healthy. We support him from afar and I think the thought process and hope is that he does return to Cleveland and the Cavaliers and helps us out this season. But we want to give him that time and that space to really get himself right.”
Altman, 41, also mentioned that a possible retirement for the experienced Spanish point guard has not been discussed. However, there is no specific timetable for his return to action.
Rubio is under contract through the next two seasons. He is a veteran of 12 NBA campaigns and 712 games played between the Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Phoenix Suns.
Photo Credit: Getty Images