Former Suns Guard Stepping Away From Basketball

Former Phoenix Suns guard Ricky Rubio said in a statement he would be stepping away to focus on his mental health.

Former Phoenix Suns point guard Ricky Rubio announced he was stepping away from the world of professional basketball to focus on his mental health.

"I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health," Rubio said in a statement released by the Spanish Basketball Federation. "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."

The statement comes weeks before the 2023 FIBA World Cup will be played. 

Rubio - who will turn 33 in October - entered the NBA has the No. 5 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft after playing with Spanish club Joventut previously. After being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves, he played for Barcelona for two seasons - winning the EuroLeague in 2010. 

Rubio played for Minnesota from 2011-17. In the ensuing offseason, Rubio was dealt to the Utah Jazz. He played there for two seasons before joining Phoenix in free agency in 2019 on a three-year, $51 million contract. He was dealt the following season in the massive trade that landed Chris Paul from the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

Rubio - two days later - was dealt to Minnesota and spent one more season with them before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021. Near the 2022 trade deadline, Rubio was traded to the Indiana Pacers but never played due to injury. He re-signed with Cleveland in free agency last offseason. 

In 698 career games, Rubio has averaged 10.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.4 assists.