The big man, Rudy Gobert hails from France and plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. He is naturally dominant on the defensive end and has shown impressive stats defensively over the years.
The 7 '1 center has been awarded the Defensive Player of the Year four times as of 2024 and is considered one of the best overseas defenders presently in the league. His proficiency is in obstructing the opponent's vision by raising the hands fully and blocking the potential shot. Grabbing both the offensive and defensive rebounds while using physicality is his forte, but his offensive ability is opposite to what he is capable of defensively. He didn't make a single three-pointer shot in his 10-year NBA career. Additionally, you seldom see a mid-range shooting or an effective post-game from the center.
Recently, while playing for France in a practice match against Montenegro, Gobert made the first three-pointer for his national team. Although, he has hit 3 three-pointers in the EuroBasket, but this was the first for the national team.
Rudy Gobert’s Position
Rudy Gobert plays at the position of a Center. He defends the rim very well and can guard at multiple positions. It’s always been a task for the opponents to score effectively in front of him, especially to successfully complete the drive-in. Hence, he has been a constant hassle for the team.
However, for Gobert to become a major force on both sides of the court, he will need to work vigorously on his offensive game. Nowadays, we see many centers with the ability to knock down not just mid-range shots but also step behind the arc and take the three.
What number is Rudy Gobert?
The 7’1’’ Center wears the Number 27 jersey for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 2023-24 season is currently his eleventh year in the NBA.
Rudy Gobert has excelled excellently on the defensive end and achieved all the major titles that any player could ask for. He has been an NBA All-Star for three continuous seasons (2020-22), dominated the league by becoming NBA Defensive player of the Year four times (2018,2019,2021, 2024), NBA rebounding leader of 2022, and a seven-time member of the NBA All-Defensive First team.
Also Read: Rudy Gobert Playoff History
FAQs on Rudy Gobert
A. No, the Timberwolves center has never made a three-pointer in the NBA, but a single three was seen by the center a few days back while playing a practice match against Monteguro.
A. In 2021, Utah Jazz offered Rudy Gobert a $205 million supermax contract extension for five years, which means the center will be earning a base salary of $41 million in the upcoming 2023-24 season.
A. The Center has to improve his offensive ability to become a two-way player, but at the defensive end, he is extraordinary.
A. Rudy Gobert has only one game of 30+ points.
A. No, the Center has yet to achieve his first triple-double.
