Álex Abrines: “My Greatest Victory Has Been Retiring in Peace”

Álex Abrines: The Journey of a Ball Player

In a deep dive interview with Álex Abrines, we brush up against his basketball saga—from the glorious dunks to those gut-wrenching moments that made him question his very being. Hailing from Palma de Mallorca at just 32, Álex didn’t have a quiet career; he had a rollercoaster ride that eventually led him to the satisfied conclusion of hanging up his sneakers.

Picture this: our guy started his journey at the La Salle playground, shot some hoops in Málaga, and found the spotlight in Barcelona. His trophy case? Three leagues, three cups, and one Supercup with Barça, plus a shiny U18 gold, an European bronze, and an Olympic bronze with the national team. Quite the collection, right?

“The Last Goodbye”

So, on November 7, just before the big Euroliga classic, Álex received a warm goodbye from Barça fans after retiring in July. How did it feel? “A lot of honor and pride,” he said. Memories flooded him, recalling victories, cherished moments, and camaraderie with those he called friends. Ending his career in front of a loving home crowd? Quite the cinematic farewell!

A Young Retirement

Yes, he called it quits before hitting the big 3-2. “Once I made the decision, I charged ahead,” he mentioned. Sure, there were doubts, but deep down, something told him it was time to step away. Surprisingly, he hasn’t missed the game at all; it was a fulfilling 15-year dream, but now he’s officially retired.

How It All Began

His love for basketball? Blame it on Dad! Gabriel Abrines paved the way, being a pro player himself. Young Álex would fashion makeshift hoops and endlessly practice shooting. But transitioning from fun to training was tough. He didn’t want to join unless his dad was coaching. But alas, school brought him into the spotlight, and before long, Málaga noticed his talent.

Leaving Home at 17

That first step away from home? Purely terrifying! There were tensions with his parents, insisting he try out for a team while he just wanted to finish school and hang out with now-wife Carla. They pushed, he panicked, but finally, he landed in Málaga where he was welcomed with open arms by friendly faces.

From Playground to Prodigy

His ascent marked a notable transition: from schoolyard matchups to professional gigs with Unicaja, who played in the high-stakes Euroliga. “Berni Rodríguez was my big brother there, making sure I never felt left out despite being the rookie.” Talk about a solid teammate!

The Barça Dream

And then came the call from Barça—the big one! “Total vertigo!” he recalled. They were hot in the finals, and after being offered a four-year contract, he felt the confidence to jump ship from Málaga. Occasionally, he had worried that he was being thrown into the deep end, but he thrived.

Pressure Cooker

Did he feel the pressure at Barça? Oh, you bet! While winning felt great, losing triggered whispers and demands. He focused on being solid, minimizing mistakes, and knowing control starts defensively. “If you can master the basics, you’ll always get another shot.” Wise words for aspiring ballers!

The Real Feel of Winning

Years down the line, he realized victories turned into a relief rather than pure joy—an odd paradox, right? The journey itself is crucial, but sometimes the results don’t reflect all that effort. Cycles change, and keeping a winning culture is as hard as nailing free throws in a clutch moment.

NBA Adventures

After Xavi Pascual’s cycle, his NBA chapter started in 2016—not just for the opportunity but also for that hefty contract stability. Competing with titans like LeBron and Stephen Curry? No brainer! Although he initially hesitated, he jumped after Durant left the Thunder for the Warriors. It was risky yet rewarding.

Enjoying the Ride

Was the NBA fun? Only in hindsight. The frenetic pace left little room to soak it in. With games every week, he felt like a walking zombie counting down to that All-Star Break.

Facing Inner Demons

In 2019, battling personal demons became his steepest climb. “I considered throwing in the towel.” Time spent in silence made him confront harsh truths. And while the NBA glittered, his mental state reached a breaking point, one match in Houston left him frozen, unable to step on the court.

The Road to Recovery

In those months, it was all about rediscovering joy with his wife, exploring and traveling, slowly reconnecting with the sport. A game of “KO” rekindled his love for basketball, leading him back to Barcelona, where he found comfort in familiar faces and began his second wind.

Opening Up About Mental Health

Álex became one of the first to speak out about depression in sports. Determined to raise awareness, he shared his journey through video—receiving an outpouring of support that pushed him further along. The NBA started recognizing mental health—a must for the new generation of athletes.

A New Perspective

With a fresh perspective in his second act, he aimed to enjoy the game rather than rise into frustration post-loss. He left worries inside the gym, promising to relish every moment on the court with passion, even when the shots didn’t fall as planned.

Claiming His Decisions

Throughout his career, he felt a perpetual press against his choices, even in his return post-depression. But it was his decision to retire that finally felt solely his. “That’s been my biggest win—walking away on my terms.”

Memories of the National Team

¡La Selección! He treasured being part of a block known for success. Arriving among seasoned champions, every summer return felt like relief and joy. He treasures that Olympic bronze from Rio above all else!

Memorable Moments with Barça

The tumultuous year of 2014 stood out. Amidst doubt and noise, they emerged victorious against all odds. Winning that title at Palau felt surreal, one of those euphoric celebrations only a superfan could understand.

Coaches Who Left a Mark

Both Xavi and Saras shaped him immensely. Between the two, he’d lean toward Xavi for initiating his basketball legacy, while Saras delivered the trophy magic in record time.

Choosing His Dream Team

From teammates to pals, his choices? Westbrook, Navarro, and Tomic to name a few in his star-studded line-up. As for friends? Well, good luck getting past Marcelinho and Ricky among others!

A Final Reflection

When he looks back at his career, he sees a dazzling journey, arguably more than imagined. “Would’ve liked an extra title or two, but alas, no EuroLeague win.” But in reality? He’s grateful and ready to relish life—enjoying time with his two little rascals and supportive wife.

“We kicked things off in October 2009, through thick and thin, she’s my rock!” Cheers to classic love stories and, of course, peaceful retirements.