Spanish men s basketball guard Ruhr: Almost joined the Rockets in 15 years. Harden called to recruit me

July 25th, Spanish men's basketball guard Sergio Ruer was interviewed by the media and talked about his chance to join the Rockets in 2015.

Ruer said: "I was in good shape that year and the team was in a winning streak. I was close to leaving. They came, we had dinner together, and at that meal, they made me talk to James Harden on the phone. I left that dinner and thought, 'I'm leaving'. I was almost convinced when I left.

"We told Real Madrid about this. Florentino (Real Madrid president Perez) called me and they gave me a six-year contract that was more paid, even though that was nowhere near the NBA's offer. Ultimately, you weigh everything and my balance tends to stay.

"I don't regret it at all. It's my own decision, and because it's mine, it's right."

Ruer was selected by the Nuggets in 2009, and then the Rockets bought his signing rights for about $2.25 million.

Ruer won the gold medal in the 2019 Men's Basketball World Cup, as well as the gold medal in the 2009, 2011 and 2015 Men's Basketball European Championships. In addition, he has won the silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games, the bronze medal at the 2013 Men's Basketball European Championships and the bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games.