Ricky Rubio reveals why he stepped away from the NBA

After more than ten years in the NBA, Ricky Rubio recently announced that he was tiring from the league so that he could address mental health issues that had been plaguing him and forcing him to stay away from the game that he loves. At the time of his retirement, he was still signed to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who wished him well when he made his official announcement.

Rubio didn't get into the details about his mental health and the road that led to retirement, but he is now opening up about his struggles.

"I developed a chronic stress, something similar to an anxiety disorder," Rubio said in a recent press conference. "The only way to come back was to understand why I got to this point."

Rubio said that the "mechanisms" he used to combat his stress weren't working and it led to him being in a very dark mental place.

"The player ate the person," he said. "I didn't know who I was. It was a difficult moment for me. I had fear. You are able to handle your fears and play down them. Life is full of greys. But I have saved myself, and now I am at ease. I am proud of myself, and I give basketball a new chance."

Once Rubio retired from the NBA, he took some time off to focus on himself and his family and then returned to the court.

Rubio has now represented his home country of Spain in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers. He is putting up 7.5 points and 4 assists during two games, although Spain lost both matches.

Unfortunately, his return to basketball was also met with an minor injury, but Rubio is expected to return soon.

When he retired from the NBA, some analysts feared that Rubio wouldn't never play professional basketball again. but he is making his way back and is healthier and happier, which is great news for the player and his fans.