Cavaliers point guard Ricky Rubio has not played in the NBA this season and in a heartfelt social media post, said he will never play in the NBA again.
Rubio officially announced his retirement from the league in the post after reportedly agreeing to a contract buyout in Cleveland.
“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,” he wrote. “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.”
Rubio, 33, had been taking a mental health break while sitting out the season.
He thanked all the teams for which he played — the Jazz, Suns and Timberwolves — but offered special praise to the Cavs, who re-signed him after trading him to the Pacers on an expiring contract. Rubio returned but wasn’t the same after tearing his ACL early in the previous season.
“My last home,” Rubio wrote of Cleveland. “I know the way things ended have been tough. I could never have imagined the year would develop this way, but you have an amazing organization, with (president of basketball operations Koby Altman) and (coach JB Bickerstaff), who have been extremely respectful and understanding of my situation and caring for me as a person.”
Rubio has left the door open to playing in Spain with Barcelona, sources told Hoops Wire. He has indicated in the past that’s where he hoped to finish his career.
Rubio appeared in 33 games last season, his first after suffering the ACL injury, averaging 5.2 points and 3.5 assists.
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