Ricky Rubio, the former Minnesota Timberwolves teammate of Anthony Edwards, discussed his 12-year NBA journey in a detailed interview on Tuesday. Speaking with journalist Jordi Evole, Rubio shared insights into his experience navigating the competitive and ego-driven environment of professional basketball in the United States, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of the NBA culture exposed through Anthony Edwards’ perspective.
When asked about forming friendships within the league, Rubio was candid about his personal approach to relationships:
“I don’t make friends, they’re just teammates. It’s because of my personality, to be honest, because I have a hard time opening up and connecting. … In the locker room you hear nonsense like, ‘What car do you drive?’ I’m really going to compete with you to have a better car. It won’t make me a better person.”
Rubio admitted that he struggled to fit into the ego-driven atmosphere of NBA locker rooms and preferred to stay quiet rather than engage in conflicts, which only added to his internal difficulties as a professional athlete.
Career timeline: From NBA draft expectations to teaming up with Anthony Edwards
Rubio’s NBA journey began when the Minnesota Timberwolves selected him seventh overall in the 2009 NBA draft, just ahead of Jonny Flynn at eighth, and famously before Steph Curry at ninth. Initially, Rubio stayed in Spain for two more years before joining the Timberwolves in the summer of 2011. He played six seasons in Minnesota before moving to the Utah Jazz, where he spent two years.
After Utah, Rubio played for the Phoenix Suns and eventually became the backcourt mate of rookie Anthony Edwards during the 2020-21 season. Partnering with Edwards, he contributed an average of 8.6 points, 6.4 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, providing leadership and veteran experience.
Rubio concluded his NBA career with two seasons at the Cleveland Cavaliers and departed the league in 2023 to focus on his mental health challenges.
Rubio’s perspective on the NBA’s transformation into entertainment business
Known as a fan favorite for his exceptional court vision and passing skills, Ricky Rubio stood out as a key playmaker, earning praise from Anthony Edwards as the best leader and passer he had played alongside. However, Rubio reflected on changes in the NBA’s culture over the years, describing his era as the YouTube era and expressing disillusionment with the league’s shift.
“I never fell in love with U.S. culture, but the NBA became a show and a business. The love for basketball has been lost, and that’s spreading in Europe.”
Unlike Edwards, who is often outspoken, Rubio has kept a quieter profile. His recent interview allowed fans to understand the pressures beyond the spotlight, fame, and financial rewards, shedding light on the complex realities behind the NBA culture exposed by Anthony Edwards’ teammate.
The wider implications of NBA locker room egos and athlete mental health
Rubio’s revelations about his difficulty navigating locker room egos and the competitive nature of personal status within the NBA underscore persistent cultural challenges in professional basketball. His departure from the league to address mental health issues also highlights growing awareness around athlete well-being in an environment that can sometimes prioritize image and business over genuine connections.
As the NBA continues evolving, the reflections shared by Ricky Rubio, especially in relation to his former teammate Anthony Edwards, invite further conversation about maintaining authenticity and mental health support amid the pressures of elite sports.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Anthony Edwards get a DNA test?
A. Ayesha stated, “The test definitely showed that Anthony is our daughter, Aubri Howard’s father.” In court papers submitted in December 2024, Anthony acknowledged that a DNA test proved he was the father. He informed the court that he was not pursuing custody or visitation rights for the child.
Q. How did Anthony Edwards react to the Luka Doncic trade?
A. Edwards humorously told other NBA players to “learn about” their own situations. He then had something to say to Timberwolves GM Tim Connelly. Edwards remarked, “I’m nervous. Tim, if you plan to trade me, please tell me. When Luka was traded, anyone could be traded.”