Ricky Rubio’s basketball journey, a tale of passion and resilience, took an unexpected turn during a fateful collision with Kobe Bryant on March 9, 2012. The young Spanish prodigy, who had chosen basketball over soccer at the age of 10, was making waves in the NBA, bringing his unique flair to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“I felt, at one point, invincible. Then that injury happened and I said that it won’t affect me. I will come back. I won’t say I was innocent, but I was not thinking that I could fail.”
“I always think about that day that I got hurt and what could have happened,” Rubio said. “Everything happens for a reason. And sometimes I think about it. But I was having so much fun that season, I couldn’t believe it.”
For Ricky Rubio, the conflict inside him finally became too much to bear.
Basketball had become something holding him back, not giving him joy.
He was lost. It's part of why he retired.
"It’s been a tough process, I’m not going to lie.”https://t.co/OGTZmcUzxP pic.twitter.com/785S82W4rB
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 29, 2024
The game against the Los Angeles Lakers marked a defining moment for Rubio. With 17 seconds left on the clock and the Timberwolves leading 102-101, a collision with Kobe Bryant changed the course of Rubio’s career.
As the two players converged, Rubio’s left knee bore the brunt of the impact, resulting in a torn ACL. The arena fell silent as Rubio crumpled to the court, a promising season marred by a devastating injury.
This incident not only tested Rubio’s physical resilience but also altered his playing style. The once fearless and audacious point guard returned to the court after a grueling rehabilitation process but with a newfound caution. The injury prompted Rubio to rethink his approach, becoming more deliberate in his passes and less prone to taking risks.
Despite the setback, Rubio’s career continued to evolve. He traversed through various teams in the NBA, showcasing his skills and leaving an indelible impact wherever he went. From the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and finally the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rubio’s journey was marked by both highs and lows. He finished with career averages of 10.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 7.4 assists. His best season came with the
Beyond his on-court contributions, Rubio embraced community initiatives, raising funds for cancer research in honor of his late mother. However, the toll of injuries and the challenges of being in the spotlight from a young age took a toll on Rubio’s mental health. In January 2024, he announced his retirement from the NBA, citing the need to address his mental well-being.
As Rubio reflects on his basketball odyssey, the collision with Kobe Bryant remains a poignant moment—a juncture that tested his resilience and shaped the trajectory of his career. The echoes of that collision lingered throughout his NBA journey, a testament to Rubio’s enduring spirit and love for the game he fell in love with at the age of 10.
Ricky Rubio Is Returning To The Basketball Court
Ricky Rubio, the former NBA point guard, is set to embark on a new chapter in his basketball journey by returning to the court with Barcelona. After announcing his retirement from the NBA in January and taking a mental health break, the 33-year-old Spaniard expressed his eagerness to gauge his response to the game once again.
Having faced physical challenges, including recovering from a torn ACL that sidelined him for a significant portion of the previous NBA seasons, Rubio now seeks a fresh start with Barcelona. In a social media post, he shared:
“After several weeks of thinking and dedicated work on both my mind and body, I see myself with the desire and strength to see how I react with a ball in my hands.”
Rubio’s return to the club where he played 140 competitive matches from 2009 to 2011 holds sentimental value, as he seeks to reignite his passion for the game without any immediate obligations. His decision to train with Barcelona reflects a positive step forward in his mental health recovery journey, combining his love for basketball with a commitment to personal well-being.
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