NBA Updates: Recent Developments Involving Ricky Rubio, R.J. Hunter, and Josh Hart

The past weekend delivered a series of significant NBA updates related to guards from the Eastern Conference. Notably, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Hornets, and New York Knicks took the spotlight in the latest news.

NBA Updates: Ricky Rubio’s Focus on Mental Well-Being

Ricky Rubio, the guard for the Cavaliers, made an announcement on Saturday regarding his decision to temporarily step away from professional basketball. He cited the necessity to prioritize his mental health as the primary reason.

In an official statement issued through the Spanish Basketball Federation, the 12-year veteran expressed:

“I want to thank all the support I have received from the [Spanish national] team to understand my decision. Today, family makes more sense than ever. Thank you. I would ask that my privacy be respected so that I can face these moments and be able to give more information when the time is right.”

Rubio was initially set to lead the Spanish national team in their pursuit to defend their 2019 FIBA World Cup championship. However, he departed during the team’s training camp in Madrid last week.

Furthermore, Rubio’s choice adds to an ongoing and essential dialogue surrounding mental health for athletes. The NBA updates state that NBA has intensified its efforts to address the mental well-being of its players, and athletes are becoming increasingly comfortable sharing their experiences to break down the stigma associated with mental health. Notable figures like Kevin Love, DeMar DeRozan, and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been recent advocates in this movement.

Aside from mandating teams establish relationships with mental health professionals and devise protocols for mental health emergencies, the league’s recent initiative, NBA Mind Health, provides resources to both teams and fans for prioritizing their mental wellness.

At present, it remains uncertain whether Rubio’s absence will extend into the 2023–24 NBA season. Nevertheless, his commendable decision to prioritize his mental health comes as he embarks on his 18th year in his professional career.

NBA Updates: Hornets Secure R.J. Hunter

On Saturday, the Hornets reached an agreement on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with guard R.J. Hunter. Hunter gained recognition for his notable college career with Georgia State, where he notably scored 12 of their 13 points, including the game-winning three-pointer, leading to an upset victory against No. 3-seeded Baylor during the 2015 NCAA Tournament. He was selected as the 28th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 2015 NBA Draft. However, Hunter faced challenges maintaining consistency. He subsequently played for the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets before briefly returning to Boston. In one game against the Rockets, he scored 17 points, achieving a shooting success rate of 6/13 from the field and 4/10 from beyond the arc.

Hunter spent recent seasons playing overseas, participating in leagues in Turkey and Australia. His recent engagement with the NBL’s Sydney Kings resulted in an average of four points per game, achieved with a shooting accuracy of 29%. Furthermore, Hunter has spent the past year and a half recovering from a torn left Patella Tendon.

Hunter’s proficiency in perimeter shooting will significantly contribute to the Hornets, who finished 27th in terms of three-pointers made per game (10.7) and 29th in three-point percentage (33%). Although he will face competition from reserve guards Nick Smith Jr. and Bryce McGowens, Hunter stands a chance to secure the team’s final two-way contract spot.

Josh Hart’s Contract Extension Aspiration with the Knicks

Following his decision to exercise his $12.9 million player option, Knicks guard Josh Hart has expressed his interest in establishing a long-term commitment with the franchise.

Hart maintained averages of 10.2 points, seven rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game across 25 appearances in the blue and orange jersey. After participating in Team USA’s camp practice on Friday, Hart conveyed his intention to finalize a new deal in the near future.

“Opting in, I was going to take it one day at a time,” Hart said. “Hopefully, that’s a place where I want to be and a place I want to call home.”

Hart, recognized for his sharpshooting scoring abilities and determined rebounding, made an immediate impact upon joining “The City That Never Sleeps.” His scoring average of 10.2 points per game was achieved with an impressive 51% accuracy from beyond the arc (27-of-52). Hart’s contributions were especially evident during the postseason, where he participated in 11 playoff games, achieving averages of 10.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while maintaining a 48% shooting accuracy from the field.

According to a report by Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, NBA updates Hart could potentially be in line for a four-year, $75 million contract extension in the coming period. As the Knicks restructure their core around key players such as Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and R.J. Barrett, Hart’s inclusion in the team’s future plans seems likely as they endeavor to bring a winning basketball culture back to the vibrant setting of the Big Apple.