SUMMARY
- Ricky Rubio, a Spanish professional basketball player, has had a notable NBA career since being drafted in 2009 by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- Throughout his NBA career, Rubio played 698 regular-season games, averaging 10.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game.
Spanish professional basketball player Ricky Rubio, known for his playmaking skills, has made a big impact in the NBA. Rubio’s NBA career started when he was drafted with the fifth pick in the first round of the 2009 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, making him the first player born in the 1990s to be drafted by an NBA team.
Rubio’s NBA career is highlighted by several team changes, starting with the Timberwolves, where he played from 2011 to 2017. During his time in Minnesota, he showed his ability as a Point Guard. Despite a good start, Rubio suffered a serious injury in 2012 when he tore his ACL. However, he made a strong return in the following seasons, recording several triple-doubles and setting personal and team records.
In June 2017, Rubio was traded to the Utah Jazz, where he continued to prove his playmaking abilities. He achieved career-high scores and assists during his time with the Jazz, including an impressive triple-double (26 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists) in the playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In July 2019, Rubio signed with the Phoenix Suns on a three-year, $51 million contract. There, he continued to put impressive stats, including multiple triple-doubles. His time with the Suns was short as he returned to Minnesota in 2020 before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021.
While playing for the Cavaliers, Rubio achieved records such as scoring his career-high (37 points) and reaching his 5,000th career assist. However, his season was ended by an ACL tear in December 2021. In February 2022, Rubio was traded to the Indiana Pacers, where he did not play due to his injury. Finally, Rubio returned to the Cavaliers in July 2022 on a three-year, $18 million contract.
Ricky Rubio has averaged 10.8 points, 7.4 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 698 regular-season games
Throughout his NBA career, Ricky Rubio has played 698 regular-season games. In these games, he has averaged 10.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. In the playoffs, he averaged 11.5 points, 6.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 14 games.
Breaking: Longtime NBA veteran Ricky Rubio has retired from the NBA, he announced. pic.twitter.com/0D1mBEGrvs
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 4, 2024
As of January 4, 2024, Rubio and the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a contract buyout, and the Spanish talent has also announced his retirement from the NBA. This decision opens a new chapter for Rubio, and it is uncertain whether he will return to professional basketball. His impressive averages and playmaking abilities will always be highlights of his NBA legacy.