“Forever Grateful”: Karl-Anthony Towns Gives Ricky Rubio his Due Flowers after 33YO’s Sudden Retirement

One of the most talented international players ever to set foot in the NBA, Ricky Rubio, shocked everyone with his retirement announcement. Hailing from Spain, Rubio was a basketball prodigy. And the league managed to land him in 2009. Since then, he has contributed his skills to four teams in 12 years, creating solid friendships along the way. Karl-Anthony Towns was one such player who was at the receiving end of his love.

Joining Paul George on his latest episode of Podcast P, Towns reminisces about his time with the 2010 EuroLeague champion. He further talks about the positive impact Rubio had made in his life. “I’m forever grateful to him for making me a better man.”

Drafted six years after Rubio, Karl-Anthony Towns goes on to explain how the 6’2 guard took him under his wing. KAT recounts a wholesome memory not too long after he arrived in Minnesota. One of the first people to meet him, Rubio had taken him on a drive around the city, shown him the best places around, and just made him feel comfortable.

George vigorously agrees with Towns that the 33-year-old’s human side is what makes him so loved wherever he goes. As a player, the 3x All-Star credits Rubio with being the “best passer” he’s ever seen. And with good reason, too. Ricky Rubio worked hard to be the best. And PG13 gives us a glimpse into what that means for the Spanish sensation.

Karl-Anthony Towns and George recall Rubio’s dedication

When Rubio was just 14 years old, he played in the Spanish ACB League. At 16, he made his EuroLeague debut. The common ground – age. Ricky became the youngest player ever to play in the ACB League. In the EuroLeague; he joined the list of being one of the youngest players. This alone gives you an idea of what a gifted player he was.

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By now, we can safely say that he achieved such success because of his dedication. And Paul George provides us with a tale that proves it. While preparing for his draft in 2010, PG decided to hit the gym, only to find Rubio already there, alone and hooping. The randomness of the situation – no trainer, no coach; just Ricky Rubio and an empty court – stuck in his mind to this day.

KAT wholeheartedly agrees with this version of the Liga ACB champion (2011). He confirms the story, saying that’s just who Ricky is. “Always in the gym, working, working. Working on his game, passing too.” It didn’t matter if the gym was empty or if he had trainers helping him out—the only thing that mattered was basketball.

Hopefully, we can see him come out victorious with his mental health struggles. There is no way he can stay away from the court for so long!

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