NBA Star Ricky Rubio Announces Retirement Amid Mental Health Struggles

After 12 seasons in the NBA and a successful international career, Rubio steps away to prioritize his mental health, leaving the door open for a potential return to professional basketball in Spain.

Ricky Rubio, the Spanish point guard who played 12 seasons in the NBA, has announced his retirement.
Rubio's retirement comes after he took a leave from the game to prioritize his mental health, citing a 'dark place' he found himself in last July.
Despite never producing an all-star appearance, Rubio is remembered as a signature figure of the early social media era and a solid starter who made up for his shooting limitations with quality on-ball defense.
Rubio played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers during his NBA career, and also had a successful international career with the Spanish national team.
Rubio and the Cavaliers have agreed on a contract buyout, and if Rubio decides to continue playing, he is expected to do so in his native Spain.