Cavaliers provide update on Ricky Rubio
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be missing the presence of a key veteran as training camp commences this week. 32-year-old guard, Ricky Rubio, announced in August that he would be stepping absent from the team to attend to his mental health, and that will continue to be the case as the wine and gold begin preparations for the 2023-2024 season.
The organization released a statement on Rubio's status on Monday.
"Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio publicly stated in August that he was stepping away from basketball to focus on his mental health. We remain fully supportive of Ricky and his efforts which for now are best continued away from the team and have excused his absence from camp. We remain in regular communication and consultation with Ricky and will continue to assist him in any way possible. Out of respect for his privacy we will not have any further comment or be able to answer any questions. The Cavaliers organization wishes Ricky and his family well."
Asked about Rubio's future with the organization during media day, Cavaliers GM Koby Altman said that the organization is operating under the premise that he'll be back at some point this season, but added that they will give him the time he needs to feel right.
Altman also downplayed any notion that Rubio may consider retiring, stating that the organization has not had that conversation with him.
The Cavs first acquired Rubio via trade a little over two years ago and instantly became a key voice in the locker room during the 2021-2022 season. A few months into that season, am ACL tear cut his season short and he wound up being traded to New Orleans at the ensuing trade deadline.
Last summer, while continuing his rehab from knee surgery, Rubio opted to return to the Cavaliers on a three year deal.
The veteran appeared in 33 games last year, and averaged 17.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists off the bench for Cleveland.
