When the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Ricky Rubio from the Minnesota Timberwolves in August of 2021 via trade, not many fans would have predicted the vital role he would play in the Cavaliers’ turnaround season, in the first half of the campaign. Thus, it was a crushing blow to the young Cleveland squad when Rubio tore his ACL in late December.
On the court he was pacing the offense and setting up shooters with his playmaking ability. With guys like Darius Garland and Lauri Markkanen on the perimeter, his precision passing was huge for the Cavaliers.
However, as great as he was on the court, he was maybe even more instrumental off the court. Whether it be watching film with Garland or talking to Evan Mobley about different defensive schemes, Rubio quickly got comfortable in Cleveland, and was a leader in the locker room. With all that being said, the front office’s decision to bring him back on a three-year, $18.4 million is a bit risky. The last season is non-guaranteed, though, as an aside, which was sound business from Koby Altman, Mike Gansey and the front office.
But he’s coming off a major injury, and that’s his second ACL year in the same left knee. On top of that, he’s only connected on 33% of his three-point attempts throughout his career.
For the Cavs to get better this season, all players will have to step up, including Rubio. So let’s check out what a successful season would look like for Rubio.