By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Away from the team since the start of the season, Ricky Rubio announced his decision to retire from the NBA without mentioning if the possibility of a return to Europe or playing for the Spanish national team is on the table.
Rubio, 33, agreed to a contract buyout with Cleveland, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Potentially resuming his professional career remains doubtful, especially after the latest update on his playing status.
However, returning to Europe is possible, or at least concluding his career this summer with the Spanish national team in the Olympics. The experienced point guard returning to his native Spain and playing in Liga Endesa occasionally surfaced as a potential option for later seasons.
Rubio himself announcing his decision to leave the NBA behind, didn’t have any specific mention about the future of his career.
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) January 4, 2024
Pausing his career in August extended from missing the chance to play for Spain in the 2023 FIBA World Cup to the 2023 NBA Preseason and further. Focusing on his mental health, Rubio did not join the Cavs for the 2023-24 campaign.
Selected with the fifth overall pick of the 2009 draft, he played for FC Barcelona before moving his talents to the league based in North America in 2011. Achievements in Europe include titles in the EuroLeague and ACB with Barca and winning the ULEB Cup with DKV Joventut.
From 2009 to 2023, he registered 712 games played in the NBA, including 14 in the Playoffs. Multiple knee injuries prevented better showings down the stretch of the lengthy run.
Two two seasons at Cleveland seem to wrap up his NBA days. At the Minnesota Timberwolves, he spent his first six years and returned for the 2020-21 season. Other former teams were the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz.
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