4 things Cavaliers fans should be thankful for regarding 2022-23 squad

2 of 5

Ricky Rubio and Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images /

No. 4: When Ricky Rubio is back, he should give the Cavs a jolt

Last season, Ricky Rubio was outstanding in a bench role for the Cavaliers. Following his trade acquisition from the Minnesota Timberwolves before last season, Rubio far exceeded expectations in his appearances with the Wine and Gold.

He had 13.1 points, 6.6 assists and 4.1 rebounds per contest with Cleveland, and his chemistry with both Darius Garland and Cleveland’s bigs led to plenty of quality looks throughout contests. Rubio’s veteran leadership, both in an on-floor and off-floor perspective, was invaluable for the Cavaliers, and his presence seemingly part of the reasoning for Garland’s emergence as an All-Star for Cleveland in 2021-22.

Nonetheless, it was a crushing blow to a young Wine and Gold team when Rubio was lost for the remainer of last season with a torn ACL in late December. That put more onus on Garland, and with Cleveland already down Collin Sexton (torn meniscus) at the time, the Cavs were not nearly the same team in the second half of last season.

With what he was able to provide for the Cavaliers, it was understandable for the team to have brought the veteran back in the offseason. Rubio’s then-expiring contract was dealt to the Indiana Pacers near the last trade deadline as part of the deal involving Caris LeVert, but the Cavs brought him back via three-year deal, and potentially in December, or feasibly in January, it seems, we could see Rubio out there again.

Obviously, when he is back, one has to be realistic as far as Rubio’s play for some time in coming off that injury; I’m well aware of that. Back in 2012 with Minnesota (his first go-round with them), Rubio tore that same ACL in his left knee, also, so it’s all the more reasonable to be patient, when he is back and available for Cleveland.

Still, with Rubio’s style of play, and with his passing vision, creativity, timing in hitting cutters, lob threats and shooters, and with his hit-ahead passes in transition, he could still give the Cavaliers a notable jolt this season upon his return. He’s long been one of the game’s best passers, has had 7.6 assists per game in his 12 seasons thus far, and with his IQ, length and team sense, he should still be an impact player on defense.

In due time, Cavaliers fans should see Rubio back in there giving the team energy once again, provided he does not have setbacks in his injury recovery.