It’s the end of an era for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Ricky Rubio.
The 33-year-old guard, who hasn’t played with the team since 2022-23 because he has been addressing his mental health, has agreed to a contract buyout with Cleveland.
As Adrian Wojnarowski reported, Rubio’s time with the Cavaliers is over, and if he ever plays professional basketball again, it’ll likely be in his home country of Spain.
Following the news, fans of the league and the Cavaliers came out to support Rubio.
ESPN Sources: After stepping away from the franchise to address his mental health, guard Ricky Rubio and the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed on a contract buyout. If Rubio — a 12-year veteran — plays professionally again, it will be likely in his native Spain. pic.twitter.com/zyDvRihaGL
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 4, 2024
Many celebrated the success that he found in the league over his 12 years.
They also applauded the fact that he stepped up and took care of his mental health, which is more important than any NBA contract or win.
Shoutout to Ricky man.. Bigger man than most of us will ever be. Wish nothing but the best for him and his family go forward
— NBA World (@NBAW0RLD24) January 4, 2024
Sad that he probably won't be playing in the NBA again but I'm glad he's addressing his mental health, we need to do that more in America.
— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) January 4, 2024
There were others who remembered how great he was during his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
During his seven seasons with that team, he averaged 10.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 8.1 assists.
Was a beast in Minnesota
— 🇵🇸 م و ل و ی (@Molvi_Toka) January 4, 2024
Others wished they’d seen more of Rubio with the Cavaliers.
He played for the team for two seasons at the end of his career and posted an average of 9.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists.
he's a cavaliers legend who never reached his full potential with the team
— David L. MembersOnly (@membersonlydave) January 4, 2024
He didn’t play as much during his years with the Cavaliers, staying on the court for just about 31 minutes per game.
At that point in his career, there were other guards who were on the rise and Rubio helped them evolve and enhance their skills.
Darius Garland worked closely with Rubio, for example.
He has played his last game with the Cavaliers, and likely his last game in the league, and people are fondly saluting Rubio and all he did for the game.
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