The Spaniard is beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel a year after his injury sidelined him in North American League action with the Cavaliers.
Ricard Rubio could return to compete in early January with the Cleveland Cavaliers, coach JB Bickerstaff reported on Wednesday, December 28, the day that marked one year since the point guard’s injury.
December 28, 2021 when Ricky Rubio, late in the fourth quarter of a game between the Cavaliers and the New Orleans Pelicans, suffered a twisted left knee that caused him to tear his cruciate ligament. The point guard from El Masnou lay on the ground and immediately realized that it was something serious.
The tests confirmed the worst feeling and Rubio saw his season end at that moment, when he had been playing possibly the best basketball of his career for months. He scored 27 points in a game against the Pelicans and last month impressed New York’s Madison Square Garden with a 37-point, ten-assist double-double against the Knicks.
At 32 years old, Ricky began a long recovery process, supported all the time by several Cavaliers willing to avoid risks and step by step. On December 8, after meeting with the Cavs’ medical staff, the player received the go-ahead to practice five-on-five, a clear sign that the end of the trial was near.
On December 17, Rubio published an hourglass emoticon on his Twitter account, which was interpreted as another nod to his return to competition. Furthermore, manager Bickerstaff stated: “I hope that, if all goes well, (he’ll be back) sometime early next month. We’re definitely on the right track.”
The Spaniard, who dreams of playing in the NBA Finals, is part of one of the most impressive teams this season, 2022/23. The Cavaliers are fourth in the Eastern Conference (22-13) and have a very competitive and complete squad.
Donovan Mitchell, who arrived from the Utah Jazz, quickly adapted to the new team and led a group where the talent of Darius Garland shines, where Rubio will be with him in his return, and where Evan Mobley and Jarrett are proud Allen is the power in the paint.
While waiting to complete his recovery, the Spaniard combined training with his work in community service thanks to his foundation. He recently launched a new virtual reality project to help children with cancer and prepare them to face their treatments.
Called ‘Handa na ako’ (I’m ready), the project aims to reduce anxiety and fear in children when starting their fight against cancer. Rubio, who lost his mother in 2016 to cancer, has spent years working to help sick children and the elderly in their fight with his ‘Ricky Rubio Foundation’.
Source: Tycsports
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
