Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio is expected to make his long-awaited return when they face the Portland Trail Blazers later tonight.
The 32-year-old has been out for over a year after he suffered a devastating injury when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in December 2021.
The Spaniard was traded to the Indiana Pacers two months later but failed to play a game for them due to the injury. He then returned to the Cavaliers in July 2022, on a three-year, $18 million contract.
Rubio is said to have practised with his teammates on Wednesday and has been listed as questionable on the team’s injury report.
Barring any late injuries or discomfort, the former Utah Jazz player will play against the Trail Blazers after overcoming an ACL injury for the second time in his career.
The former Barcelona basketball player, who was drafted fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2009, did not play for them until the 2011-12 season.
The Spanish star has played for four NBA teams in his 12-year career span, including two spells with the Timberwolves, one with the Utah Jazz, and one with the Phoenix Suns, and is set to begin his second spell with the Cavaliers.
Rubio had averaged 13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists across 34 games for the 2016 champions before the season-ending injury.
Although his stat line is not very impressive, his veteran experience and leadership were vital for a young Cavs team as they began their journey back to the top.
The Cavaliers are fifth in the Eastern Conference with 26 wins and 16 losses so far, and Rubio’s proposed return will add experience and rest to an overplayed backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
ESPN Sources: After a full year of rehabilitating an ACL tear in his left knee, Cavaliers guard Ricky Rubio is targeting a return against the Trail Blazers on Thursday. Rubio will practice today, and if all goes well, play in Portland tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/wB5RzNhRdy
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 11, 2023
