Gracias, Ricky.
Players, fans, and organizations alike shared well-wishes and fond memories of 33-year-old veteran guard Ricky Rubio, as he announced his 12-year NBA career has come to an end.
Rubio confirmed his retirement in a message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Friday. He had not played for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season to concentrate on his mental health.
"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," Rubio began his post.
"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," he added.
"I wanted to post this message for you today because my NBA career has ended."
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) January 4, 2024
Retired Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol, who played with Rubio for Spain to win silver in the 2008 Olympics, was quick to laud his teammate.
"Your bravery and strength will help many people. We are with you, Ricky," he posted in Spanish.
Tu valentía y fuerza ayudará a muchísimas personas. Estamos contigo, Ricky ??
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 4, 2024
Willy Hernangomez, who spent eight years in the NBA before suiting up for FC Barcelona, kept his message short and sweet. The basketball center too, had fond memories of Rubio, as they played together to help Spain win the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
There, Rubio was hailed Most Valuable Player of the tournament.
— Willy Hernangómez Geuer (@willyhg94) January 4, 2024
The Timberwolves picked Rubio fifth overall during the 2009 draft and spent seven years in Minnesota.
"Thank you for everything," the team's social media account posted. "Congratulations on an incredible NBA career."
"Once a Jazzman, always a Jazzman 🖤 The Jazz are grateful to have been a part of your incredible career and we wish you all the best in your next chapter. You'll always have family in Utah," posted the Utah Jazz, where Rubio played for a couple of seasons.Thank you for everything, @rickyrubio9 🫶
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 4, 2024
Congratulations on an incredible @NBA career. https://t.co/XVqG0miwZs pic.twitter.com/zxOp6nUURj
Once a Jazzman, always a Jazzman 🖤
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 4, 2024
The Jazz are grateful to have been a part of your incredible career and we wish you all the best in your next chapter. You'll always have family in Utah. #TakeNote | @rickyrubio9 pic.twitter.com/ME9vpiLZoW
"Ricky Rubio embodied everything a franchise would want from such an accomplished player, who helped instill a confidence and leadership quality that still resonates within our team," said Koby Altman, president of basketball operations for the Cavaliers.
"We wish Ricky nothing but the best and remain supportive of his decision to continue focusing on his mental health."
“Ricky Rubio embodied everything a franchise would want from such an accomplished player, who helped instill a confidence and leadership quality that still resonates within our team.”
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 5, 2024
- President of Basketball Operations, Koby Altman. pic.twitter.com/WFpl7XPjTS
Rubio was not able to report for the Cavaliers' training camp this season. Before taking a break to focus on his mental health, the Spanish guard was recovering from a torn knee ligament. It was announced on Friday that they reached an agreement to buy out Rubio's $6.1 million contract for the current season.
"Normally, a player who spent such a short time in a Cavaliers uniform wouldn’t make much noise. Rubio spent 67 games with Cleveland, with 10 starts. But his brief, brilliant run with the Wine & Gold helped change the course of the franchise. If you want to look at what changed in 2021-22, you can start with him," wrote Cavs.com writer Joe Gabriele.
"The Cavaliers franchise has had some household names come through town for short stays. Shaquille O’Neal, Clyde Frazier, Dwyane Wade. Shawn Kemp was our first All-Star starter. Baron Davis beat LeBron’s Heat.
But arguably none of those names had the impact that Ricky Rubio did in his all-too brief stay in Cleveland. The team went from cellar-dweller to the Playoff contender they are today thanks to a Cavs culture he helped rebuild," Gabriele added.
Your beautiful passes will always be remembered. Gracias, Ricky.We love you @rickyrubio9 ?? https://t.co/alWeorYC92 pic.twitter.com/sAE2lv1aGW
— FIBA (@FIBA) January 4, 2024
