The 2019-20 NBA season saw Ricky Rubio’s time with the Utah Jazz come to an end after five seasons. After arriving in Utah for the 2015-16 season, Rubio had a successful tenure with the Jazz, helping the team reach the playoffs in each of his five seasons with the team.
However, this past season saw Rubio struggle to find consistency, a problem that the Jazz needed to address given their roster construction. With trade talks starting to emerge prior to the February deadline, it was only a matter of time before Rubio was sent elsewhere.
This raises the question: why did Ricky Rubio leave the Jazz?.
Why Did Ricky Rubio Leave the Jazz?
Struggling to Find Consistency
Ricky Rubio’s time with the Utah Jazz was filled with highs and lows. Despite solid individual numbers, he struggled to find consistency with the team. This was especially evident in the team’s performance during the 2019-2020 season.
The Jazz were expected to be a strong contender in the Western Conference, but they were unable to live up to expectations. This was due in part to Rubio’s inability to effectively lead the team, as he was often too passive or too careless with his decisions on the court.
Trade Talks
As the trade deadline approached, it became more and more likely that the Jazz would look to move on from Rubio. They had already made a move to acquire Mike Conley at the start of the season and it was clear that they needed a more reliable point guard.
As a result, Rubio was involved in numerous trade talks leading up to the deadline.
Injuries
Unfortunately for Rubio, he was unable to stay healthy throughout the season. He was hampered by multiple injuries, which hindered his ability to perform at a high level. This was especially problematic for the Jazz, as they were already struggling to find consistency and needed Rubio to be healthy in order to be successful.
Lack of Production
Despite being a talented player, Rubio’s production with the Jazz was lacking. He averaged just 12.7 points and 6.1 assists per game during his time with the team, which were both well below his career averages.
This was due in part to his struggles to stay healthy, but it was also a reflection of his inconsistent play on the court.
Moving on
Ultimately, the Jazz decided that it was time to move on from Rubio. They traded him to the Phoenix Suns in February of 2020 in exchange for Kelly Oubre Jr., Austin Rivers, and a 2021 first-round pick.
This move allowed the Jazz to acquire a more reliable point guard in Mike Conley, as well as additional pieces that could help their team moving forward.
Did Ricky Rubio Get Traded From the Jazz?
Ricky Rubio was traded from the Utah Jazz on February 6, 2022 to the Indiana Pacers. The deal included a lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick, a 2022 second-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick.
In exchange, the Pacers gave the Jazz Caris LeVert and a 2022 second-round pick. Rubio had suffered a knee injury prior to the trade. This injury prevented him from ever playing a game for the Pacers.
The Jazz had acquired Rubio in 2017 from the Minnesota Timberwolves. He had spent five seasons with the Jazz and was an integral part of the team’s success. Rubio was an All-Star in 2018, and had career-highs in several stat categories.
He averaged 13.1 points and 8.9 assists per game in his time with the Jazz. Rubio’s trade to the Pacers showed that the Jazz were willing to make bold moves to improve their team.
Who Did the Utah Jazz Get Rid of?
The Utah Jazz traded Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Royce O’Neale. They moved away from their established stars in search of emerging players and future draft picks. This left the Jazz with a roster of mostly inexperienced players and a rookie head coach.
It was a bold move to shake up the team and bring in young talent. Utah felt that this move would pay off in the long run with better results. The Jazz have entrusted their new players and coach to bring them success.
It remains to be seen if the Jazz’s gamble will pay off. However, the team is confident that their new acquisitions will make an impact. The Jazz have taken a risk in trading away their veteran players.
Only time will tell if the Utah Jazz made the right decision.
What Happen to Rubio?
Rubio suffered an injury during a Dec. 28, 2021 game against the Pelicans. He tore his ACL, which required surgery to repair. As a result, he was forced to miss the rest of the season. Since then, Rubio has been working hard on his rehabilitation.
He has been gradually making progress and getting closer to being able to play again. He has been taking part in drills, strength and conditioning work, and practices. He is determined to make a full recovery and return to the court.
He has been working with physical therapists and doctors to ensure that he is able to do so safely. His progress has been encouraging and he is hopeful that he will be able to take part in games soon.
Rubio is determined to make a successful comeback.
Who Did the Celtics Give Up for Derrick White?
Josh Richardson
Josh Richardson was an important part of the Celtics roster. He was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers in 2020 and was seen as a potential starting shooting guard for Boston. He averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 28.3 minutes per game in his first season with the Celtics.
He was a reliable two-way player for the team, and his defensive presence was a key part of Boston’s success.
Romeo Langford
Romeo Langford was the 14th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Celtics. He was seen as a potential key player for the future, as he had a lot of potential on the offensive end of the floor. In his rookie season, he averaged 5.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 17.5 minutes per game.
While he didn’t show the same level of production as a rookie as he did in college, he still showed potential to be a key part of the Celtics’ future.
2022 1st Round Pick
The Celtics also sent a 2022 first-round pick to the Spurs in order to acquire Derrick White. This draft pick could prove to be very valuable for the Spurs as it could be used to select a top-tier player in the 2022 draft.
The 2022 draft is expected to be one of the most talented drafts in recent memory and the Spurs could use this pick to select a young player who can contribute right away.
Derrick White
Derrick White was selected with the 29th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs. He has developed into a key player for the Spurs and averaged 13.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 30.6 minutes per game this season.
He is a very capable shooter and is a very good defender, which makes him a great fit for the Celtics.
Impact of the Trade
This trade will have a huge impact on both teams. For the Celtics, they are getting an upgrade at the guard position with Derrick White. He is an excellent shooter and defender, which will help the Celtics on both ends of the floor.
Meanwhile, the Spurs are getting two solid players in Josh Richardson and Romeo Langford and a first-round pick that could be very valuable in the future.
Who Did the Jazz Get for Derrick Favors?
The Jazz received the 40th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Derrick Favors. They also received two future second-round picks in the deal. The 40th pick originally belonged to the New Orleans Pelicans, before being traded to the Grizzlies.
The two future second-round picks are likely to come in the 2022 and 2023 drafts. The Jazz now have more assets to use in future trades or to select players in the upcoming draft. Favors was a key rotation player for the Jazz, and his departure leaves a hole in the roster.
However, the Jazz have been able to acquire additional draft capital to help fill that void. This could help them add more young talent to their roster or acquire veteran players in trade. The Jazz have now strengthened their future prospects with the additions of the 40th pick and two future second-round picks.
This trade could pay dividends for the Jazz in the years to come.
Why Did the Cavs Trade Ricky Rubio?
The Cavaliers traded Ricky Rubio to the Indiana Pacers in 2020 as part of a four-team deal. The trade was part of a larger move to acquire Jordan Clarkson from the Jazz. Rubio had an expiring contract, adding to his value as a trade asset.
His contract also helped to match salaries in the four-team deal. The Pacers were able to acquire Rubio without giving up any major assets. His departure created cap space for the Pacers. The Cavs acquired Jordan Clarkson, who could add depth to the team’s backcourt.
The Pacers also acquired Victor Oladipo from the Houston Rockets. The Rockets acquired four first round draft picks in the deal. Overall, the trade was beneficial for all teams involved, as it allowed them to acquire key assets while also creating salary cap flexibility.
To Recap
Ricky Rubio was an integral part of the Utah Jazz’s success during his five seasons with the team. Despite his successes, his struggles to find consistency this past season were a cause for concern. With the Jazz looking to improve their roster, they were forced to make the difficult decision of trading away Rubio prior to the February deadline.
His departure from the Jazz will certainly be felt, and his presence will be sorely missed in Utah.
