Many NBA players came out to celebrate Ricky Rubio this week after the veteran guard announced his official retirement from the league.
While the Cleveland Cavaliers were the last team he played for, he moved around the association a lot during his career and made many deep and long-lasting friendships.
One of them was with Devin Booker during his time with the Phoenix Suns.
Booker spoke about Rubio and his impact on him, according to a video shared by ClutchPoints on Twitter.
Applauding “his IQ,” “approach,” and “brotherhood,” Booker said that Rubio grew very close with him even though they only played together for just one season.
“I’m gonna miss him on the court, but he’s a friend forever,” Booker said.
“I could be up here all day. Even though it was just one year, it was so impactful to my career… I’m gonna miss him on the court, but he’s a friend forever.”
Devin Booker wishes Ricky Rubio well in his retirement 🫡
(via @GeraldBourguet)pic.twitter.com/MeOsClq0BH
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 6, 2024
Rubio spent a single season with the Suns in 2019-20, right after many years with the Minnesota Timberwolves and then a couple with the Utah Jazz.
During his stint in Phoenix, he put up 13 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 8.8 assists.
Those are actually the best numbers of his career and Rubio was able to develop his skills and lead the team when working in Phoenix.
At that point, Booker was still a young, up-and-coming star who hadn’t yet experienced a lot of time in the league.
Always a mentor, Rubio was able to take him under his wing and help Booker become the star he is today.
The fact that Rubio grew so close and important to Booker after just one season shows how talented he is.
His time playing in the NBA may be over but it’s clear that his connections with other players will live on for a very long time.
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