Ricky Rubio has gone from a sought-after young talent to a point guard that has likely plateaued at the age of 28, though the Utah Jazz floor general is still hoping to end his NBA story with a championship ring. Rubio, who has put up the two best scoring averages of his career with the Utah Jazz in the last two years, envisions winning a ring as a starting point guard for that team, now that free agency looms closer.

“I’d like to win the ring being the protagonist because a ring without playing wouldn’t feel like mine,” Ricky Rubio told Spanish outlet AS, translated by EuroHoops. “I want to have a leading role and now it’s time to find a team where I can achieve that goal.”

Rubio's time with the Jazz has likely run its course, as the career-highs in scoring have come with a decrease of assists per game, due to splitting ball-handling duties with Donovan Mitchell the past two seasons.

The 6-foot-4 point man is well aware of the implications of his next contract, as it could decide if his NBA days are counted or not, as the choice is likely out of his hands due to the depth in this year's market.

“If I sign for a team that doesn’t have really have aspiration or things won’t work, my NBA career will almost end because if I sign for three or four years, when I finish my contract I’ll be 32,” said Rubio. “It’s one of the key moments of my career.”

Rubio will be behind stars like Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker, and others on the rise like D'Angelo Russell — dropping to a mid-tier of available point guards that include Darren Collison and Patrick Beverley.

Yet it's his improved, but still lackluster 3-point shooting, as well as his inability to create his own offense that are seen as major deterrents for him taking another leap forward.

Rubio is a good defender, solid playmaker and a great teammate, but those characteristics alone won't cut it for most teams aspiring for a championship.

“There are a thousand possibilities, excluding the teams that have a starting point guard under contract who will remain there. Like Houston or Golden State,” said Rubio examining his situation. “Then there’s Boston where you still don’t know if Kyrie Irving will be there. Or Charlotte with Kemba Walker. Things really don’t depend on you but on the other players.

“For example, if Kyrie Irving went to Utah, this wouldn’t be a possibility for me anymore. In the end, they choose first.”

The Spanish maestro will be at the mercy of this year's beefy list of free agents, likely getting whatever crumbs are remaining. Contenders are expected to sell, while others could dole out huge contracts to big names in hopes to upgrade.

Whatever decision Rubio makes, is just as likely to be what decision will be made for him, as it's bound to be slim picking by the time teams look his way.