The Cleveland Cavaliers have been without one of their bench guards in Ricky Rubio to start the 2023-24 campaign, and it was announced on Thursday morning that the Cavs had reached a buyout with Rubio on his contract that has ended his time with the team. Beyond that, if Rubio keeps on playing basketball, it’s likely going to be in his native Spain rather than in the NBA.
As the news rolled in, many fans were crushed to find out that this was likely the way that Rubio’s storied career in the NBA was going to come to an end. Unsurprisingly, tributes and heartfelt reactions began to pour in from fans who wished Rubio well and hoped that he would be able to overcome his mental health woes so that he can take the court again in the future.
Rubio spent most of his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he landed with the Cavs for his final two seasons, and became a big piece of their rotation. Unfortunately, Rubio tore his ACL in the 2021-22 season, and while he managed to return last year for 33 games, his impact just was not the same for Cleveland.
Cleveland didn’t have Rubio at their disposal at all this season after he left the team to focus on his mental health, and with this move, his time in the NBA is likely over. Hopefully, Rubio will be able to figure out his mental health issues so that he can continue playing basketball, but even if this is the end for him, he can ride off into the sunset knowing that he had a great career in the NBA.