"I don't want to go on. Not with basketball, but with life" — Ricky Rubio opens up about his battle with depression
When you make your debut at 14 years old in Spain's ACB League, which is considered the second-best league in Europe after the EuroLeague, it's clear what kind of expectations are put on you for the rest of your career. That was the exact fate of Ricky Rubio on October 15, 2005, wearing the Joventut jersey.
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Six years later, Rubio would end up on the Minnesota Timberwolves, drafted as the fifth pick of the first round, ahead of Stephen Curry.
Already in his rookie season, he showed signs of his enormous talent, averaging 10.6 points, 8.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Long story short, Rubio stayed in the NBA for 13 years. He never fully reached his potential, and when his mother passed away, he fell into a battle with depression. Everything started going downhill for the Spaniard from that point on.
"One night I was in the hotel room, and I just said I don't want to go on. Not with basketball, but with life," Rubio said. "There were some moments when everything around me was just creating a burden, when I thought that my life had no meaning. When I reflect on my career I'm never satisfied, because it was never enough. I wasn't ecstatic when I would receive an award, I would say to myself that I'm fake, that I don't deserve this."
His smile disappeared and so did the magic in his game
After a break from basketball because of depression, Rubio returned to his native region of Catalonia in Spain, putting on the jersey of his former club, Barcelona. However, it was clear that only a shadow remained of the kid whose flashy passes once got NBA fans out of their seats. Along with the depression, his youthful smile disappeared—and so did the magic in his game.
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Unfortunately, Rubio will be remembered as a player who didn't fulfill his full potential, but only because great things were expected of him throughout his career. Still, the guy won bronze and silver medals at the Olympics, played 13 seasons at the highest level, and won titles in Europe—a career that many would dream to have.
Rubio touched the highest peak and the lowest low
At 17, he was so full of confidence that he even talked smack to Kobe. During a casual conversation between Kobe Bryant, Ricky Rubio and Pau Gasol, the topic of the upcoming London Olympics came up. Gasol and Rubio confirmed they'd be playing, and Rubio, smiling, turned to Bryant.
"You know you're getting the silver medal, right?" Kobe, known for his competitive spirit, replied immediately: "I'm taking bets! If I win, I get the keys to Barcelona." Rubio didn't back down: "I'll bet whatever you want." Bryant, without flinching, simply said: "Deal!"
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Let's remember him like that — fearless, playful, yet talented.
Expectations at the highest level aren't the same for everyone, and we all need to learn that when we feel mad or frustrated about the success or failure of our favorite players.
Rubio touched the highest peak and the lowest low, but he managed to find his way back. While basketball fans can no longer enjoy his magic on the court, they can be happy that he won the greatest battle of his life.
Related: 'L.A., it's alright, yeah? But trust me.' — Ricky Rubio realized what Kevin Garnett told him about Minnesota was true
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
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