Cavs’ Ricky Rubio retires from NBA career and announces he’s taking a mental health break weeks before Spain’s World Cup campaign

Cavs guard Ricky Rubio has decided to take a temporary leave of absence from his professional basketball career.

Shortly before Spain defends its world championship at the FIBA ​​World Cup, Rubio announced that he would take time 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.

‘I would like to thank all the support I received from the FEB in understanding my decision. Today #LaFamilia makes more sense than ever.

‘Thank you. I would ask that my privacy be respected so that I can face these moments and provide more information when the time is right.”

Rubio was the MVP of the most recent World Cup four years ago, leading Spain to the championship and an 8-0 record in the tournament.

There is no indication how long Rubio’s break will last. NBA training camps open in about two months.

“We were informed today by Ricky and his representation that he has decided to step down from his illustrious basketball career to focus on his mental health at this time,” Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman said Saturday.

“We understand how difficult this decision has been for him and will strike a balance between providing all possible support while also respecting Ricky’s request for privacy.”

The 32-year-old Rubio is the oldest and, in terms of NBA years, the most experienced player on Cleveland’s roster. He played 12 seasons in the league, playing with Minnesota, Utah, Phoenix and the Cavaliers.

He missed most of the past two seasons while recovering from a torn left ACL, returning to the Cavs mostly as a 33-game reserve at the end of last season.

Rubio – who played his first professional game in Spain in 2005 when he was just 14 – was seeded No. 5 by Minnesota in 2009 and joined the Timberwolves two years later. He is a three-time Olympic and three-time World Cup team member for Spain.