Ricky Rubio Thanks Minnesota in Back-Page Ad Amid Retirement Rumors

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Ricky Rubio, a beloved former guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, took out a full-page ad in the Minnesota Star Tribune this week, expressing his gratitude to the city and state for their support throughout his basketball career.

At 34 years old, Rubio’s intentions remain unclear as he recently posted on social media, reflecting on his career and life. While some speculate he may be hinting at retirement, he has not made a definitive announcement. “I took this year to reflect on my career and my life, and I’ve realized that if I’ve gotten to where I am today, it’s not because of the assists I’ve given, but because of the assists I’ve received,” Rubio wrote on Twitter, framing his message as a thank you rather than a farewell.

Rubio last played for FC Barcelona during the 2023-24 season and had a stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers before that. Born in El Masnou, Spain in 1990, he began his professional career at just 14 years old. He was drafted fifth overall by the Timberwolves in the 2009 NBA Draft and quickly became a fan favorite.

During his six years in Minnesota, he dealt with significant personal loss, including the death of his mother to cancer in 2016. This experience influenced both his life and career, as he stated in his ad that Minnesota helped him navigate hard times and create meaningful memories.

Overall, Rubio recorded 5,160 assists across 12 seasons in the NBA, ranking among only 74 players in league history to achieve this milestone. Despite pausing his career in August 2023, he returned briefly to play for Barcelona but did not participate in the current season.

This ad is not the only tribute Rubio has made; he reportedly placed similar ads in newspapers of cities significant to his basketball journey. “Thank you, Minneapolis, for so many discoveries. Thank you for so much warmth. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re cold,” he concluded.