Ricky Rubio Returns to Joventut Badalona on One-Year Deal
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Veteran point guard Ricky Rubio, 35, has signed a one-year contract to remain with Joventut Badalona, the Spanish club announced Thursday.
Rubio, selected fifth overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, spent 12 seasons in the league with the Timberwolves, Jazz, Suns and Cavaliers. Across 698 regular-season games, he compiled averages of 10.8 points, 7.4 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 29.6 minutes.
The Catalan floor general launched his professional career with Joventut at age 14 in October 2005 and returned to the team last season. He helped Badalona finish 22-12 in Liga ACB play, contributing 13.4 points, 5.3 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals over 31 appearances while logging 21.3 minutes per game.
NBA Shelves Middle East Preseason Stops
No NBA preseason games will be staged in the Middle East in 2026 because of the ongoing war between the United States and Iran, according to ESPN. The league had played exhibition contests in Abu Dhabi for four consecutive years and explored holding its first matchup in Doha ahead of the 2027 FIBA World Cup, but those plans are on hold. The NBA intends to revisit games in Abu Dhabi and Qatar once conditions allow, though no timetable has been set.
Early Buzz on 2028 U.S. Olympic Men’s Roster
ESPN’s Zach Kram outlined several American players gaining momentum for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, highlighting Jalen Brunson, Scottie Barnes and LeBron James. Chet Holmgren, Jalen Duren and Donovan Mitchell were cited as players whose prospects appear to be fading at this stage.
Way-Too-Early Rookie of the Year Forecast
Twenty writers at The Athletic projected the 2026-27 NBA Rookie of the Year race. Top draft selections AJ Dybantsa (Wizards) and Darryn Peterson (Jazz) each received six votes. Cameron Boozer (Grizzlies) secured four votes, Caleb Wilson (Bulls) collected three, and Brayden Burries (Bucks) picked up the remaining ballot.
Source: Hoops Rumors
