Ricky Rubio announces retirement from NBA to focus on mental health after 12 seasons in league

Spanish basketball player Ricky Rubio has announced he will be retiring from the NBA to focus on his mental health.

The 33-year-old, who most recently played for Cleveland Cavaliers, shared the news through a statement posted on social media.

He said in a statement: “Hello, July 30th was one of the toughest nights of my life. My mind went to a dark place.

“I kind of knew I was going on that direction, but I’ve never thought I wasn’t under control of the situation.

“The next day, I decided to stop my professional career. One day, when the time is right, I would love to share my full experience with you all so I can help support others going through similar situations.

“Until then, I would like to keep it private out of respect for my family and myself, as I’m still working on my mental health. But I’m proud to say I’m doing much better and getting better everyday.

“I wanted to post this message for you today because my NBA career has come to an end.”

Rubio went on to reminisce on his time at the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns and Cleveland, writing: “After playing 12 years in the league, with all its up and downs, I have collected lots of good memories and great relationships.”

Having become the youngest-ever Liga ACB player in 2005, aged 14, Rubio transferred from FC Barcelona to Minnesota in 2011.

His debut season in the NBA was curtailed by an ACL injury, but he was still second in the Rookie of the Year voting.

The point guard had a two-year stint at Utah from 2017 to 2019, followed by a season with Phoenix. He then returned to Minnesota, before signing for Cleveland in August 2021.

He suffered a second ACL injury just four months later, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Rubio has also featured for the Spanish national basketball team, helping the side to a world title in 2019. He has two Olympic medals, earning silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016.