Cavs’ Ricky Rubio announces NBA retirement after stepping away to address mental health

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio announced over the summer that he would be stepping away from basketball to focus on his mental health. 

On Thursday, he announced his retirement after 12 seasons in the NBA. 

Ricky Rubio, #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, looks on during the third quarter of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on Dec. 28, 2021 in New Orleans. (Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Rubio, who also had a prolific international career representing his native Spain, penned an open letter to fans on social media to share his decision, adding that he is still "working" on his mental health. 

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"I wanted to post this message for you today because my NBA career has come to an end," the letter, posted to X, read. 

"It all started [in] June 2009, draft night in New York. What a dream. After playing 12 years in the league, with all its ups and downs, I have collected lots of good memories and great relationships. Minnesota, Utah, Phoenix and Cleveland. Wow. Thank you!"

Ricky Rubio, #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers, shoots a free throw during the game against the Washington Wizards on Dec. 3, 2021 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

Rubio, who won a gold medal with Spain in the 2019 World Cup, stepped away from the sport citing mental health concerns in August. 

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"I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health," he said in a statement at the time. "I want to