Ricky Rubio, the veteran NBA point guard, is returning to his roots by re-signing with Joventut Badalona in Spain for one year. After a 12-year career in the NBA with teams like Minnesota and Cleveland, the 35-year-old averaged 13.4 points and 5.3 assists per game last season. Meanwhile, the NBA has canceled its preseason games in the Middle East for 2026 due to ongoing U.S.-Iran conflicts, while potential future games in the region remain uncertain. Looking ahead, Team USA's prospects for the 2028 Olympics are shaping up, with notable names like LeBron James and Jalen Brunson gaining attention. In rookie predictions for the upcoming 2026/27 season, AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson are front-runners for Rookie of the Year.

By the Numbers
  • Rubio averaged 13.4 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds in 31 games last season.
  • A total of 20 writers voted, with AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson each receiving 6 votes for Rookie of the Year.
Yes, But

The cancellation of NBA preseason games in the Middle East raises concerns about international exposure for the league, especially after four consecutive years of games in Abu Dhabi.

State of Play
  • The NBA plans to resume preseason games in Abu Dhabi in the future, although the timeline is uncertain.
  • Rubio's return to Joventut Badalona indicates a shift toward European basketball for former NBA stars.
What's Next

As the 2026/27 NBA season approaches, the league will be focusing on player evaluations, especially regarding the Olympic team roster and potential risers and fallers in the Rookie of the Year race.

Bottom Line

Ricky Rubio’s return to Spain highlights the ongoing trend of NBA veterans returning to their European roots, while the league's challenges in maintaining its international presence amid geopolitical tensions underscore the need for strategic planning for global events.