The end of the Ricky Rubio tunnel: "My next step was to ask Barcelona to train with them"
Last summer, Ricky Rubio made headlines when he abruptly left the Spanish national basketball team’s concentration in Madrid due to a mental health issue. The experienced point guard even contemplated retiring from his career at that time. However, after seven months and deciding not to return to the NBA, Rubio is now optimistic about his recovery and has announced his intention to train with FC Barcelona.
In a social media post, Rubio expressed his desire to enter the final phase of his recovery and requested to train with his former club, without any commitment or disruption to their ongoing season plans. If everything goes well, Rubio’s return to Roger Grimau’s squad would not only be a significant boost for the team, which is currently in the process of renewal, but also generate substantial media attention. Currently, Barcelona ranks third in the Endesa League and second in the Euroleague.
Rubio mentioned that he has been contemplating this decision for a few weeks and feels mentally and physically prepared to see how he performs with a basketball in his hands again. The Cleveland Cavaliers, who held his rights until 2026, confirmed on January 4 that Rubio would not be returning to the NBA after 12 seasons. ESPN already speculated that his potential comeback would be in the Endesa League, where he began his career at the age of 14 playing for Joventut under the guidance of Aíto García Reneses.
In late December, it was revealed that Rubio and the Cleveland franchise were negotiating his departure. The termination of his contract was necessary due to the Cavaliers’ roster needs. FC Barcelona, which currently has point guards Tomas Satoransky and Nico Laprovittola, has confirmed that Rubio will join the first team training sessions on Tuesday. The team warmly welcomed him on social media, stating, “We will welcome you as one of the family!” Under Grimau’s coaching, Barcelona will face Virtus de Bologna at Palau Blaugrana on Wednesday. To be registered and eligible to play in the remainder of the Euroleague, Rubio must complete the process before the deadline on February 7.
Rubio, now 33 years old, previously played for Barcelona from 2009 to 2011 before making his leap to the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves. During his time with Barcelona, under the guidance of Xavi Pascual, Rubio won six titles, including the 2010 Euroleague, which Grimau captained. In total, Rubio played 136 games for Barcelona, including 84 in the ACB, 42 in the Euroleague, 6 in the Copa del Rey, and 4 in the Super Cup.