What happened to Ricky Rubio? Cavs star agonizingly puts career on INDEFINITE hold

Ricky Rubio announces indefinite break from Basketball stating mental health reasons.

What happened to Ricky Rubio? Cavs star agonizingly puts career on INDEFINITE hold

RIcky Rubio (Images via Getty Images)

In what has come as shocking news to many, Ricky Rubio, the Cleveland Cavalier and the World Cup Winning player from Spain, has announced a break from the game of Basketball. He said he must “take care of [his] mental health.” His decision came as the Basketball World Cup was fast approaching, which Rubio won with the Spain team four years ago. 

“I have decided to suspend my professional activity to take care of my mental health,” Rubio said. He also thanked Spain’s basketball federation for supporting his decision. Rubio, also known as La Roja, signed a three-year deal with the Cavaliers worth $18 Million. He was also crowned the MVP at the World Cup four years ago. 

YouTube video

He was all set to appear in the 13th season as he announced the hiatus. Fans and analysts supported his decision as he took the “bold decision” and set an example for all those facing mental health issues. FIBA, too, tweeted, “The basketball community is with you, Ricky Rubio.”  His career has also been plagued with injuries, like the one he suffered last season.

FS Video

Also Read: NBA insider reveals one player LeBron James was PHYSICALLY INTIMIDATED by in his entire career

Ricky Rubio’s 3-year contract with the Cavaliers

Ricky Rubio
Ricky Rubio for the Cleveland Cavaliers (Image via Getty Images)

Rubio still has two years left in his contract. Despite his injuries and his time in rehab, the Cavaliers gave him a 3-year $18 Million deal. There were concerns about why he was given a contract despite being unable to play, but Kevin Love, another member of the Cavaliers, squashed those talks last year.

“I really do believe he was the one who encompassed everything that we were about last year…Building the culture here, he was such a big part of that. Even when he wasn’t around, his presence was felt.” He talked about Rubio’s importance to the team and how he has helped build a certain kind of culture around him, which was reflected in the deal. 

Ricky Rubio, although he was not very active or productive for the Cavaliers. Last season he averaged, in what could be called career-low stats, 5.2 points per game, playing 17.5 minutes off the bench for 33 games.

In other categories, too, he recorded career lows, shooting just 34% from the field and 25% from the 3-point line. His announcement makes proper sense for some fans as he will focus on improving himself and becoming a better player and person. 

In Case You Missed: