Ricky Rubio facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal family name is Rubio and the second or maternal family name is Vives.

Quick facts for kids
Ricky Rubio

Rubio with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021

No. 9 – Joventut Badalona

Point guard

Personal information

Born

21 October 1990 (age 34)
El Masnou, Spain

Listed height

6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)

Listed weight

190 lb (86 kg)

Career information

NBA Draft

2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall

Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves

Pro career

2005–present

League

Liga ACB

Career history

2005–2009

Joventut Badalona

2009–2011

FC Barcelona

2011–2017

Minnesota Timberwolves

2017–2019

Utah Jazz

2019–2020

Phoenix Suns

2020–2021

Minnesota Timberwolves

2021–2024

Cleveland Cavaliers

2024

FC Barcelona

2025–present

Joventut Badalona

Career highlights and awards

NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012)
FIBA World Cup MVP (2019)
EuroLeague champion (2010)
EuroLeague Rising Star (2010)
EuroLeague steals leader (2007)
EuroCup champion (2008)
FIBA EuroChallenge champion (2006)
Liga ACB champion (2011)
3× Copa del Rey winner (2008, 2010, 2011)
Liga ACB Defensive Player of the Year (2009)
Liga ACB Rising Star (2007)
Liga ACB Most Spectacular Player (2010)
2× All-Liga ACB Team (2008, 2010)
Spanish Sportsman of the Year (2019)
Mister Europa Player of the Year (2008)
3× FIBA Young Player of the Year (2007–2009)
FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship MVP (2006)

Medals

Men's basketball

Representing Spain
Summer Olympics
Silver	2008 Beijing
Bronze	2016 Rio de Janeiro
World Cup
Gold	2019 China
EuroBasket
Gold	2009 Poland
Gold	2011 Lithuania
Bronze	2013 Slovenia
Bronze	2017 Turkey

Ricard "Ricky" Rubio Vives (born October 21, 1990) is a Spanish professional basketball player. He currently plays for Joventut Badalona in Spain's Liga ACB. Ricky became the youngest player ever to play in the Spanish Liga ACB at just 14 years old in 2005. A year later, he made his EuroLeague debut, becoming one of the youngest players to ever play in that league.

In 2009, Ricky was picked fifth in the 2009 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. This made him the first player born in the 1990s to be drafted into the NBA. Before joining the NBA, he played for FC Barcelona in Spain. Ricky joined the Timberwolves in 2011 and played there for six seasons. He later played for the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

In August 2023, Ricky announced he was taking a break from basketball to focus on his mental health. In January 2024, he announced his retirement from the NBA. He returned to play for FC Barcelona in February 2024 and then rejoined his childhood club, Joventut Badalona, in July 2025.

Ricky's Basketball Journey

Starting Young in Spain (2005–2009)

Signed Ricky Rubio jersey (2009)

Ricky Rubio started his professional career with DKV Joventut in the Spanish ACB League during the 2005–06 season. He was only 14 years and 11 months old, making him the youngest player to ever debut in the league. That year, he helped Joventut win the FIBA EuroChallenge championship.

He was known for his amazing steals, leading the Spanish ACB League in steals in the 2006–07 season. He also won the Rising Star Award that season. Ricky was named the FIBA Europe Young Player of the Year three times in a row from 2007 to 2009.

Ricky made his EuroLeague debut in October 2006, just after turning 16. He was one of the youngest players to play in that league. In 2008, he won the EuroCup championship with Joventut. He was also named the best point guard in the Spanish ACB League in 2008 and 2010.

Because he was so young and talented, his team and parents decided he wouldn't give interviews until he turned 18. However, these rules were relaxed when he was chosen to play for the Spanish national team at the 2008 Olympics. In 2008, Ricky won the Mr. Europa Award, an award given to the best European player. He was also named the Defensive Player of the Year for the Spanish ACB League in the 2008–09 season.

Playing for FC Barcelona (2009–2011)

After being drafted by the NBA, Ricky played for FC Barcelona for two seasons. During this time, he helped his team win the EuroLeague Championship in 2010 and the Liga ACB Championship in 2011. This experience helped him get ready for the NBA.

Joining the NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves (2011–2017)

Ricky playing for the Timberwolves in 2012

In 2009, the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Ricky Rubio as the fifth pick. There was some discussion about when he would join the NBA because of his contract in Spain. Ricky decided to stay in Spain for a couple more years to prepare better for the NBA challenge. He officially joined the Timberwolves for the 2011–12 NBA season.

Ricky made his NBA debut in December 2011. He quickly showed his skills, earning the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award. He was also chosen to play in the 2012 Rising Stars challenge. Unfortunately, in March 2012, Ricky suffered a serious knee injury (torn ACL and LCL) while playing against the Los Angeles Lakers. This injury ended his season early. Despite the injury, he finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting.

Returning from Injury and Making Triple-Doubles

Ricky returned to play in December 2012. He recorded his first career triple-double (scoring double digits in three different stats: points, rebounds, and assists) in March 2013. He continued to show his all-around game, finishing the 2012–13 season as one of the league leaders in steals.

In the 2013–14 season, Ricky recorded more triple-doubles and set a career high with 17 assists in a game. He also broke the Timberwolves' team record for steals in a season.

Ricky with the Timberwolves in 2014

In October 2014, Ricky signed a new contract with the Timberwolves. However, he suffered another injury, a sprained left ankle, which kept him out for a while. He returned in February 2015 and recorded another triple-double.

During the 2015–16 season, Ricky scored a career-high 28 points in the first game. He also had a game with 12 assists, 10 rebounds, 9 points, and 8 steals, showing how close he was to a quadruple-double (double digits in four stats). He continued to be a strong passer, tying his career high with 17 assists multiple times.

In the 2016–17 season, Ricky continued to set new personal bests. He had 17 assists in a game for the fifth time and made a career-high six three-pointers in another game. In March 2017, he recorded his fifth career triple-double. He also broke his own team record with 19 assists in a single game and later scored a career-high 33 points.

Moving to Utah Jazz (2017–2019)

In June 2017, Ricky was traded to the Utah Jazz. He continued to perform well, scoring a season-high 30 points in November 2017 and later setting a new season high with 34 points in February 2018. In the playoffs, Ricky achieved a triple-double, which was the first for a Jazz player in the postseason since 2001. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury in the playoffs that ended his season.

Playing for Phoenix Suns (2019–2020)

Ricky signed with the Phoenix Suns in July 2019. He quickly made an impact, recording a double-double with 11 points and 11 assists in his first game with the team. He recorded his first triple-double with the Suns in December 2019. In February 2020, he had an impressive game with 22 points, 11 assists, 7 steals, and 6 rebounds. He also recorded another triple-double in March 2020.

In June 2020, Ricky tested positive for COVID-19 but recovered and rejoined his team for the resumed season in the NBA Bubble.

Second Time with Minnesota (2020–2021)

In November 2020, Ricky was traded back to the Minnesota Timberwolves, returning to the team where he started his NBA career.

Time with Cleveland Cavaliers (2021–2024)

Ricky was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in August 2021. In November, he had an amazing game, scoring a career-high 37 points and making eight three-pointers, along with 10 assists. In December, he reached 5,000 career assists. However, his season ended early again in December when he tore his left ACL.

In February 2022, Ricky was traded to the Indiana Pacers, but he never played for them due to his injury. In July 2022, he returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He made his return to the court in January 2023 after recovering from his injury.

In August 2023, Ricky announced he was stepping away from basketball to focus on his mental health. In January 2024, he officially announced his retirement from the NBA.

Return to Spain (2024–Present)

In February 2024, Ricky signed with FC Barcelona for the rest of the season. His contract ended in June 2024. Then, in July 2025, Joventut Badalona announced that Ricky would be returning to his childhood club, 16 years after he first left.

Playing for Spain's National Team

Junior National Team Success

In August 2006, Ricky led the Spanish junior national team to win the FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship. During this tournament, he achieved two triple-doubles and even a quadruple-double! In the championship game against Russia, Ricky scored an incredible 51 points, grabbed 24 rebounds, made 12 assists, and stole the ball 7 times. He even forced overtime with a last-second three-point shot from mid-court. Ricky was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament because he led in points, rebounds, assists, and steals.

Senior National Team Achievements

Ricky started playing for the senior Spain National Team at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. At just 17 years old, he became the youngest player to play in an Olympic basketball final. The Spanish team won the silver medal after a close game against the USA's "Redeem Team."

He continued to play for Spain, winning a gold medal at the 2009 EuroBasket in Poland. Ricky led Spain to another gold medal at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China. He was named the World Cup MVP for his outstanding performance. In 2019, he was also named the Spanish Sportsman of the Year.

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Ricky broke the record for most points scored against Team USA with 38 points.

Ricky's Playing Style

Ricky Rubio was known as one of the best young European guards ever. People often compared his passing and court vision to legendary players. He was famous for his incredible passing, ability to steal the ball, and overall smart play on the court.

Personal Life

Ricky Rubio's mother, Tona Vives, passed away in May 2016. He has a sister named Laia. In January 2020, Ricky and his wife Sara welcomed their son.

Awards and Accomplishments

With Joventut

Spanish King's Cup: 2008
FIBA EuroChallenge: 2006
ULEB Cup: 2008
Catalan League: 2005, 2007, 2008

With FC Barcelona Basquet

Liga ACB: 2010–11
Spanish King's Cup: 2010, 2011
EuroLeague: 2010
Spanish Supercup: 2009, 2010
Catalan League: 2009, 2010

With Spain's Junior National Team

2005 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship: Bronze Medal
2006 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship: Gold Medal

With Spain's Senior National Team

2008 Summer Olympics: Silver Medal
2009 EuroBasket: Gold Medal
2011 EuroBasket: Gold Medal
2013 EuroBasket: Bronze Medal
2016 Summer Olympics: Bronze Medal
2017 EuroBasket: Bronze Medal
2019 World Cup: Gold Medal

Personal Awards

MVP of the 2006 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship
2× Led the Liga ACB in steals: (2007, 2009)
Won the Spanish ACB League Rising Star Award: (2007)
3× FIBA European Young Player of the Year: (2007, 2008, 2009)
2× All-Spanish ACB League Team: (2008, 2010)
Mister Europa Player of the Year: (2008)
Spanish ACB League Defensive Player of the Year: (2009)
Catalan League MVP: (2009)
EuroLeague Rising Star: (2010)
ACB Most Spectacular Player: (2010)
2× NBA Western Conference Rookie of the Month: (December 2011, January 2012)
NBA All-Rookie First Team: (2012)
FIBA World Cup All-Tournament Team: (2019)
FIBA World Cup MVP: (2019)
Spanish Sportsman of the Year: (2019)
FIBA Summer Olympics All-Star Five: (2020)

Career Statistics

Legend
GP	Games played	GS	Games started	MPG	Minutes per game
FG%	Field-goal percentage	3P%	3-point field-goal percentage	FT%	Free-throw percentage
RPG	Rebounds per game	APG	Assists per game	SPG	Steals per game
BPG	Blocks per game	PPG	Points per game	PIR	Performance Index Rating
Bold	Career high

NBA

Regular season

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2011–12	Minnesota	41	31	34.2	.357	.340	.803	4.2	8.2	2.2	.2	10.6
2012–13	Minnesota	57	47	29.7	.360	.293	.799	4.0	7.3	2.4	.1	10.7
2013–14	Minnesota	82	82	32.2	.381	.331	.802	4.2	8.6	2.3	.1	9.5
2014–15	Minnesota	22	22	31.5	.356	.255	.803	5.7	8.8	1.7	.0	10.3
2015–16	Minnesota	76	76	30.6	.374	.326	.847	4.3	8.7	2.1	.1	10.1
2016–17	Minnesota	75	75	32.9	.402	.306	.891	4.3	9.1	1.7	.1	11.1
2017–18	Utah	77	77	29.3	.418	.352	.866	4.6	5.3	1.6	.1	13.1
2018–19	Utah	68	67	27.9	.404	.311	.855	3.6	6.1	1.3	.1	12.7
2019–20	Phoenix	57	57	31.6	.412	.351	.853	4.6	8.9	1.5	.2	13.0
2020–21	Minnesota	68	51	26.1	.388	.308	.867	3.3	6.4	1.4	.1	8.6
2021–22	Cleveland	34	8	28.5	.363	.339	.854	4.1	6.6	1.4	.2	13.1
2022–23	Cleveland	33	2	17.2	.343	.256	.800	2.1	3.5	.8	.2	5.2
Career		698	603	29.6	.388	.324	.843	4.1	7.4	1.8	.1	10.8

Playoffs

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2018	Utah	6	6	30.2	.354	.313	.783	7.3	7.0	1.3	.5	14.0
2019	Utah	5	5	33.5	.424	.200	.850	3.2	8.6	2.4	.2	15.4
2023	Cleveland	3	0	5.7	.000	–	–	2.0	1.0	.3	—	0.0
Career		14	11	26.1	.384	.269	.814	4.7	6.3	1.5	.3	11.5

EuroLeague

†	Denotes season in which Rubio won the EuroLeague
*	Led the league

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG	PIR
2006–07	Joventut Badalona	16	0	18.9	.348	.167	.767	2.4	2.8	3.2*	.1	3.6	7.7
2008–09	Joventut Badalona	5	2	13.3	.300	.333	.625	2.4	2.8	1.8	—	2.4	6.2
2009–10†	Barcelona	22*	22*	20.9	.370	.358	.893	2.9	4.1	1.4	.0	6.8	10.7
2010–11		20	17	22.7	.310	.224	.836	3.3	3.5	1.6	.1	6.5	9.6
2023–24		13	3	17.2	.274	.182	.852	3.2	4.3	1.4	—	4.7	8.0
Career		76	44	19.8	.328	.262	.835	2.9	3.6	1.9	.0	5.4	9.0

EuroCup

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG	PIR
2007–08	Joventut Badalona	16	10	20.9	.531	.360	.771	3.4	4.5	2.4	.1	7.6	12.9
Career		16	10	20.9	.531	.360	.771	3.4	4.5	2.4	.1	7.6	12.9

Domestic leagues

Year	Team	League	GP	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2005–06	Joventut Badalona	ACB	14	7.8	.474	.667	.700	1.1	.7	1.0	.1	2.6
2006–07	Joventut Badalona	ACB	43	19.2	.382	.258	.691	2.6	2.1	1.9	.0	4.5
2007–08	Joventut Badalona	ACB	39	23.2	.363	.265	.794	3.3	3.9	2.0	.3	10.2
2008–09	Joventut Badalona	ACB	25	22.7	.400	.417	.806	2.7	5.8	2.2	.3	9.8
2009–10	Barcelona	ACB	42	20.4	.404	.366	.767	2.7	4.3	1.9	.2	6.4
2010–11	Barcelona	ACB	42	21.7	.320	.268	.779	3.2	3.9	1.6	.1	4.7
2023–24	Barcelona	ACB	15	18.4	.377	.292	.886	3.1	4.1	1.1	.1	6.0