MÁLAGA — There are players who, without being very obvious vocal leaders, leave their mark on a team every time they raise their voices. These figures may not give the most eloquent speeches, they may not deliver a direct and explicit message when things go wrong, but if they open their mouths to say something, everyone listens. And they do it because that individual has earned the status and respect of the locker room. With a low profile but applying wisdom, experience and showing empathy, names like those of Ricky Rubio They are highly valued within the NBA.
Hence the recent news where he announced that He was going to stop his professional activity to take care of his mental health generated an outpouring of support from the entire league family.
In the more than 10 years that Ricky has been in the NBA, he has forged a reputation as someone sensitive but demanding, who demands the most from those who accompany him on the court, while behind the scenes strengthening his personal relationships with the youngest.
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So he did it in Utah Jazz when he was transferred to his surprise in 2017. He took under his wing a Donovan Mitchell debutante to encourage him and share those tips that he would have liked to receive before. Then he did it again at the Phoenix Suns, elevating a group led by Devin Booker, but where they were also Mikal Bridges or Cameron Johnson. He then repeated the process at the Minnesota Timberwolves, a well-known place where he discovered a future star, Anthony Edwards, someone to whom the Spanish feel great affection. And so until reaching Cleveland, the last stop on the road for the moment.
In a span of six years, Ricky Rubio has become one of the most respected players in the league for anything that doesn’t strictly have to do with the game. Those small personal details are what make the difference in groups under construction. Advice, mutual support or insight from experience are invaluable help for these young stars.
Mental health has gained weight and relevance in the public debate over the last five years.
Yet it has always been there.
From Metta World Peace to Keyon Dooling. From Dennis Rodman to Kevin Love. From Derek Anderson to DeMar DeRozan. The examples have been there from the beginning, only now they are named. And most importantly, it is addressed, normalized and given the importance it deserves.
“He is a great example for young players like me”responde Anthony Edwards a The Sporting News. Ant ‘shared a team during the complicated 2020-2021 season with the Masnou point guard, who took him under his wing and encouraged him in his first steps in the NBA.
“Everybody goes through stuff like that. Many people believe that athletes don’t go through things like that, but in sport and the things that happen within it that happens, there are many things that affect you”, the American escort continues. “At the end of the day we are still people. So this is another step. They should care a little more about us. Today I am going to write to Ricky and I hope that he manages to solve it”.
The news of the decision Ricky Rubio generated a wave of positive reactions inside and outside the NBA ecosystem. A proof of the affection that the Catalan guard has for him, but also for the courage shown in facing the elephant in the room.
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Mental health has been a key part of the joint programs the league runs with the NBPA, the players’ union, for a long time. A team led by ex-pro Derek Anderson and a team of specialists in the field help anyone who needs assistance, of any kind. All this to not only guide them along the way or give them tools to manage their emotions, but also to prevent small problems from becoming big issues in the future.
“Our thoughts are with Ricky. I really admire the fact that he came out and talked about it,” says Steve Kerr, coach of the US National Team after a training session in Fuengirola. “Need a time out [de las canchas] It can be important for some young athletes and young people to understand that mental health is very important.”
The determination shown by Rubio is of paramount importance. Due to his ascendancy within Spanish sport, his message will go further and can help others in the same position or in a very different one to become aware of themselves. Something that Steve Kerr himself is very aware of.
“The more people are open about the idea that mental health is a problem for them, the more opportunities young people have to go out and ask for help. That’s what’s really important.”assures. “I can only say thank you, Ricky. I wish you the best and I can’t wait for you to return to the courts.”
Wherever he goes, Ricky Rubio leaves his mark. His calm temperament but his determination and extensive experience of how a team works on a day-to-day basis give him a different perspective from the rest. The Masnou native has been immersed in professional dynamics since he was 14, which is why he has seen practically everything and has built his own methodology as a leader.
“I love Ricky. I hope that, because of what he is going through, he gets better”, wishes Anthony Edwards to TSN. “He’s my man. He was a great veteran to me. He always told me to step up, on and off the court. So I really appreciate Ricky. He was everything I needed. I wish we still had him.” [en los Wolves]”.
Edwards was especially marked by Rubio’s example. Arrived in Minnesota after being chosen with the number 1 in the 2020 Draft, the situation was not typical in the NBA. Many health controls, more limited off-field social interactions… All this in some Timberwolves in full transition and search for a new identity.
The Spaniard quickly detected the talent of Ant‘, but also that I needed some help. “I think it was the first or second day of training camp”recalls Edwards for TSN. “The score was 47 to 49, we were losing and we were in the quintet me, Ricky, D-Lo [D’Angelo Russell]KAT [Karl-Anthony Towns] and another one, I don’t remember if it was Juancho or Jake Layman”.
“It was us against five others, I had the ball in transition, we are two down and there are about 10 seconds left. Boom, boom, boom. Stepback. Triple. Failure. And we lose”, regrets. “Then Ricky goes: Kid, come here. In a couple of years or a couple of months, that’s going to be your shot, but right now, that’s the shot of those other two guys. [Russell y KAT]”.
“He’s not your typical vet who yells at you, pulls you aside, and talks directly to you. He does it the right way.“, ends.
With the question of whether he will return to the courts soon or if he has already played his last game, Ricky Rubio’s mark in the NBA and in this sport will remain in all those with whom he has shared a moment, a meeting, a season or a lifetime. life.
Beyond his magical passes, his determination in hot moments of the game or his successes, it is likely that the Catalan will end up being remembered for how his courage to admit that he was not well with himself prompted others to follow his example.
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
2023-08-12 06:00:04
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