BREAKING: 12-Year NBA Veteran Stepping Away From Basketball
Ricky Rubio is coming off a year where he played in 33 regular season games for the Cleveland Cavaliers (he also appeared in three NBA playoff games).
The 12-year NBA veteran averaged 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest while shooting 34.3% from the field and 25.6% from the three-point range in 17.2 minutes of playing time.
This summer, Rubio was going to play for the Spain men's national basketball team, but he has now announced that he will put his professional career on hold.
Rubio's statement, via NBA on ESPN: "I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health. I want to thank all the support I have received from the (Spanish national team) to understand my decision.
Today #family makes more sense than ever. Thank you. I would ask that my privacy be respected so that I can face these moments and be able to give more information when the time is right."
In addition to the Cavs, the talented point guard has also spent time with the Minnesota Timberwolves (who drafted him with the fifth pick in the 2009 NBA Draft), Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns.
His career averages are 10.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.8 steals per contest while shooting 38.8% from the field and 32.4% from the three-point range in 698 regular season games (he has also appeared in 14 NBA playoff games).
The 32-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Cavs.
