Cavs’ Ricky Rubio to Make Season Debut vs. Blazers

Indiana knew Rubio would be unable to play and intended to let him leave in free agency when the deal was made. He decided that Cleveland would again be the best fit.

And why not? Rubio helped the Cavs make a serious run at the playoffs in a short amount of time, becoming the veteran backcourt player the young team clearly needed. Cavs point guard Darius Garland has given Rubio some credit for his own development.

So, what is he expected to offer the Cavs? Well, the same thing things as last season. Rubio generally entered the game and got things organized. He was a veteran who controlled the ball and the pace. He got his teammates good looks at the basket. He was basically a coach on the court.

Now, he gets to again play alongside Donovan Mitchell, his former teammate with the Jazz.

Rubio, 32, tied his career-high by averaging 13.1 points in his 34 games with the Cavs last season. He also compiled 6.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds, coming off the bench in all but eight of those appearances.

The Cavs (26-16) visit the Blazers on Thursday, then conclude their five-game trip on Saturday with a visit to the Timberwolves, the team that drafted Rubio.

For more on Rubio’s return and what it means, check out the latest Cavs on the Break podcast.

Center Jarrett Allen, who exited Tuesday’s loss to the Jazz with an illness, will also return, per Fedor.