Former Utah Jazz guard Ricky Rubio announced on social media on Thursday that he is retiring from the NBA to continue focusing on his mental health. Rubio mind on X. He wrote on July 30 that his mind “went to a dark place”, which he called “one of the toughest nights of my life.” He decided to end his professional basketball career the following day.
Rubio, who also had a prolific international career representing his native Spain, penned an open letter to fans on social media. He wanted to share his decision, adding that he is still “working” on his mental health. The athlete had not played for the team this season. He has spent most of the previous two seasons rehabbing from an ACL injury.
His mental condition had been an issue for his colleagues and other people concerned. The burden was too heavy on him. After he announced his retirement, many players expressed relief that Rubio would finally get time to take care of himself. Mitchell, the Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star guard, spent two seasons with Rubio in Utah and part of one in Cleveland. He said he is comforted to know his former backcourt mate has some closure.
What was the reaction of his other team players?
Anthony Edwards, without hesitation, leapt into sharing a story about Ricky Rubio. On Friday, he was asked about playing alongside the former Timberwolves guard, who announced his retirement Thursday.
Edwards recounted, saying it seemed like it had happened the day before. He told a tale from his first training camp. It was from when he played in a scrimmage with D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns. His team was trailing late. Edwards said, “I came down and took the game-winning shot, and I missed,” and then Rubio came with a piece of advice. “Ricky was like, ‘Young fella, this is not the shot you take. You let them take the shot,’ ” Edwards said. “He was like, ‘In a minute, you’ll be able to take this shot. But not right now.”
Mitchell said as he learned of Rubio’s decision on social media, “I feel like he could breathe.” He even said, “I’m not speaking for him. But I feel like it’s just one of those things where indecision of what you want to do can be a lot.” Mitchell, the Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star guard, spent two seasons with Rubio in Utah and part of one in Cleveland. He said he is comforted to know his former backcourt mate has some closure.
Former teammates Edwards, Towns and Rudy Gobert were all happy to hear him announce he is doing better. They support him as he steps away from the game to improve his mental health.
Conclusion
Rubio’s personality and flair for the game left an impact on the fans who watched him. Those who played with him during a 12-year career have appreciated his present decision.
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