It had been rumored, wished on, may dreamed about for some.
And now, it’s reality. Veteran point guard Ricky Rubio is returning to the Cavaliers.
Per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, the Cavs and Rubio have agreed to a three-year, $18.4 million contract. The third year is partially guaranteed, added Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. It seems as if the deal involves the Cavs using part of their mid-level exception to finalize the deal.
Rubio started the season with the Cavs, showing a penchant for coming off the bench and according to teammate Collin Sexton, calming things down when thigs got a little wild. Rubio proved to be the perfect fit as the backup to All-Star starter Darius Garland, and an occasional starter, as the Cavs looked headed to be for the playoffs.
Then Rubio suffered a torn ACL. Then he was traded to the Pacers as part of the Caris LeVert deal. Then the Cavs missed the playoffs. That part wasn’t all because of Rubio’s injury — but let there be no doubt, it was a factor.
Before getting hurt, he averaged a career-high 13.1 points, with 6.6 assists and 39 percent shooting on 3-pointers. That included a 37-point eruption vs. the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
The bottom line is Rubio back with the Cavs a second time is a good idea for everyone. After all, what’s not to like? It sure worked out the first time.
The Cavs acquired Rubio last summer in a trade with the Timberwolves that generated little buzz. But it sure worked out in Cleveland. At least, until Rubio’s unfortunate injury. He now is expected to be out until around January.
Clearly, though, the Cavs have faith in his potential as a key contributor again.
As written by Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors, “it seems as if the team is counting on him to be around for the long haul and will be patient as he recovers from his knee injury and gets his feet back under him.”
Yeah, it seems so.
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FANtastic !!
Team just was not the same overall without him . Losing Allen sealed the season hopes, but Rubio was huge for them and basically the only reason they won so much early on,especially with none of Sextons buckets out there to help.
Hopefully Rubio is available as soon as January and makes a difference like he did before the injury, or at least come playoff time. If they can even get into that discussion without him though remains to be seen No way Neto fills that gap alone I don’t think. Not if Collin gets traded or whatever. Levert can’t fill that role too well I don’t think anyway.
If Ricky cannot play most of the season and Sexton is gone,could be back in the lottery.
Sure hope everything works out nicely and they really do have the core including Sexton. If not can’t imagine much long term success with DG as your highest paid player no veteran bench once Rubio and Love are gone etc.