"In the locker room you hear nonsense": Anthony Edwards' $50,000,000 ex-teammate Ricky Rubio highlights current NBA culture in tell-all statement

Ricky Rubio, Anthony Edwards’ former Minnesota Timberwolves teammate, opened up about his 12-year career in the NBA in an interview on Tuesday. The Spaniard chatted with journalist Jordi Evole and shared a glimpse of his life as a pro basketball player in the United States. Rubio gave candid answers during the sit-down with the reporter.

When asked about developing friendships in the NBA, Rubio, worth $50 million per Celebrity Net Worth, did not hold back:

“I don't make friends, they're just teammates. It's because of my personality, to be honest, because I have a hard time opening up and connecting. I have experienced it with many teammates where attitudes are despotic. I keep quiet and see attitudes or behaviors that are not correct, and many times, they themselves do not even realize it, it is their character, it is their ego.

"In the locker room, you hear nonsense like: 'What car do you drive?' Are we really competing over who has the better car? That won’t make me a better person.”

The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Rubio (No. 5) and Jonny Flynn (No. 6) ahead of Steph Curry (No. 7) in the 2009 NBA draft. Rubio remained in Spain over the next two years before joining the team in the summer of 2011. He played six seasons for the Timberwolves before taking his talents to Utah, where he stayed for two years.

After the stint with the Jazz, he went to Phoenix before teaming up with then-rookie Anthony Edwards during the 2020-21 season. As Edwards’ backcourt mate, Rubio averaged 8.6 points, 6.4 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.

Ricky Rubio’s final two years in the NBA were with the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2023, he left the league to deal with mental health issues.

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Ricky Rubio claims the NBA became "a show and a business"

Ricky Rubio became an instant fan favorite. The point guard often mesmerized opponents and fans with his rare vision and passing. Rubio was a fixture in highlight reels with his savvy plays and playmaking. Anthony Edwards called him the best leader and passer he ever played with.

Rubio was a big star in the NBA during what he called the “YouTube era.” He had this to say when asked about building a brand in America through basketball:

“I never fell in love with U.S. culture, but the NBA became a show and a business. The love for basketball has been lost, and that’s spreading in Europe.”

Unlike Anthony Edwards, Ricky Rubio was never known during his NBA career for his talk. The Spaniard’s interview on Tuesday allowed fans to look into his life behind the limelight, fame and money.