Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio has suffered a torn ACL in his left knee and will miss the remainder of the 2021/22 season, the team announced (Twitter link). Rubio suffered the same injury to the same knee as a rookie in 2012.
It’s terrible news for both player and team, as Rubio will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2022, and Cleveland had already lost starting guard Collin Sexton for the season to a torn meniscus which required surgery. ACL tears typically have a recovery timeline of about 12 months, so Rubio might not return to the court again until 2023.
The 31-year-old point guard has been instrumental to the Cavaliers’ surprising 20-14 start to the season; they are currently fifth in the East after winning just 22 games last season. Rubio appeared in all 34 of the team’s games to this point, averaging 13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.4 steals in 28.5 MPG.
His shooting slash line of .363/.339/.854 isn’t great, but he has been a locker-room leader, mentor, clutch shot-maker and defensive presence for the young Cavs. He’s currently 10th in the league in defensive win shares, per Basketball-Reference.
As ESPN’s Bobby Marks relays (via Twitter), the Cavs could receive a disabled player exception worth $8.9MM if they choose to apply for it by January 15. However, the Cavs are currently only $3.1MM below the luxury tax threshold and already have a full roster, so they might not end up using it even if they receive it, which they almost certainly would.
Cleveland’s guard depth will be tested with Rubio and Sexton out for the season; rising star Darius Garland is also out for the short term, in the league’s health and safety protocols. Little-used backup Kevin Pangos and rookie two-way player RJ Nembhard could see an uptick in minutes with the three players sidelined. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Cavs target guards in trades, either.
Devastating. We need a backup PG asap. Not that I really want him, but I wonder if Simmons talk will hear up
Russ for love straight up , lakers toss in some of those seconds they got from wizards!
Jk though bc despite the counting stats Russ really really sucks
I wouldn’t if I was Cleveland. Give me literally any other contract in the league except Russ. The secret seems to be out on Russ’s issues, and it looks like the Lakers are probably stuck with him.
That’s unfortunate, I’ve always like Rubio. Always seems to the veteran influence and mentor to the next star guard right before they break out.
No no …. Rubio was having a nice season. He was the perfect backup to Garland.
Cuídate y regresa mejor Ricky. God speed
Devastating. Poor Rubio can never seem to catch a break. Whenever he’s on a roll something details him. I’m really sorry to hear this.
I love you Ricky get back soon
Cavaliers should call the Thunder about Ty Jerome or Theo Maledon or call Magic about Rj Hampton
Either would probably cost a second or 2. Giddey has made them expendable for the right price.
Ty Jerome really hasn’t shown that hes anything more than a borderline replacement level player, but I think Theo or RJ could be fits. I think the Magic would want at least a 1st for RJ, though. He has shown some promise, and he was the main piece in the Aaron Gordon deal. Out of their guards, I think most people would be surpised to hear that Cole Anthony is probably one of the more expendable ones. I think he could be a good fit, and be had for a reasonable cost.
Damn such a blow to the Cavaliers and Ricky R. Hard to mentor on crutches :|
If Cleveland trades Rubio, could the new team then use a disabled player exception?
Would a trade of Rubio make sense?
With a salary of 17,8 million this season for Rubio and 31,2 + 28,9 in salary for Kevin Love, could they be used for a Westbrick (or Wall) dump? With Love going to the Lakers and a Rubio via Houston to Team x with Eric Gordon to Lakers?
Which 3rd player could Cleveland include?
Lakers only can offer:
5,535 million in cash considerations
First-round picks: 2027 (or) 2028
First-round swaps: 2023, 2026
Second-round picks: 2023, 2025, 2027, 2028, 2023 via Chicago, 2028 via Washington, 2024 via Washington or Memphis (whichever is less favorable)
I guess they would need to spend almost all they have…
Simmons
Using Rubio for a Simmons-trade makes no sense to me…
Dammit
At least the Cavs are in a good position now to recruit. Gilbert just spent $ on Bickerstaff so maybe he will put that $9.8m to use also, and pay the luxury tax. Gilbert would Love to beat Lebron to the next title series. Love has 1.5 years left, but I don’t think his priority is saving money now.