Leader of the Wolves defense, Rudy Gobert begins his 12th season in the NBA. Voted best defender of the year (DPOY) for the fourth time last spring, the Blues pivot intends to continue to be “the most impactful defender in the world” with one of the best teams in the NBA, recent Western Conference finalist and first-ranked regular season defense last year.
“He’s the mentally strongest player I’ve ever coached”, underlined his trainer Chris Finchafter their victory against the Nuggets on November 1. “He is strong in his head because when journalists, opposing teams and fans attack him, he takes the situation as a challenge. He doesn't back down, he's feisty and he's willing to put his body on the line for us. »
After Minnesota's back-to-back defeat in San Antonio, Rudy Gobert spoke to some French media, including DNA of Sports.
For the first time in your career, you teamed up with Victor Wembanyama during the last Olympic Games which ended with a silver medal. What do you remember from it?
It was great to be able to spend so much time with him. There are a lot of little details that we were able to discuss. The most important thing is that he realizes that he is indeed an intimidating player. But he must be able to manage the distance with his opponent, because if he throws himself at his opponent, he advantages his attacker whereas when he is facing him (and he is on his supports) , it's not easy to score against him.
Being able to have a certain level of maturity in defense requires patience, observation and experience. Because when you're young, you don't necessarily have an idea of everything that's happening on the pitch. He really evolved and progressed in this aspect of the game last season. Once he has fully integrated this dimension of the game, it will be very hard to stop him.
Did he manage to surprise you?
I didn't discover another Victor Wembanyama during the Olympic Games but this competition allowed him to learn a lot. Particularly the FIBA game, because the spaces are less and the referees allow a little more contact, especially away from the ball. These Olympics “challenged” him and made him better. He is still very young but we can already see that he is capable of better withstanding contact and playing against all types of physique.
“The day Victor wins his first DPOY, I will be his first supporter but for now, I am still here”
Is there a little rivalry with Wemby for the title of defender of the year?
No because otherwise, I won't give him advice… I will fight to help my team to be the most impactful defender in the world. I wish him all the best and I will continue to be a big brother to him because Victor's success feels like it's my success. I want to see him accomplish things that I haven't been able to accomplish and give him everything I can give him.
At the end of last season, Victor Wembanyama rightly said that it was time for you to win a 4th trophy for best defender because the next one would be for him… But we imagine that you haven't said your last word?
The day Victor wins his first “Defensive Player Of The Year” trophy, I will be his first supporter but for now, I am still here. I know that Victor is coming (smile), and he is only 20 years old (he will be 21 on January 4)… We are already seeing his rise but I can't wait to see his peak. This trophy will end up in his hands sooner or later. But be careful, it's very hard to win: defending in this league is the most complicated thing because of everyone's individual talents and the rules (which favor attackers).
“Being a dad is my number one job”
What is your defensive philosophy?
Basketball is a team sport, but the best defender in the world is the one who has the most impact on the opposing team. He must not only be able to stop a player but to ensure that the entire opposing team is forced to adapt to his game. This is what a certain number of people have difficulty understanding, especially in the age of social networks where many are focused on significant actions but not on the whole. It's boring sometimes. You can do 99% good defense but you're going to get dunked on it once and that's what people are going to see.
You became the father of a little boy at the end of last season. How has fatherhood changed your life?
It changes everything! I've always dreamed of being a father, it's incredible. Being a dad, being the best example and guide to help him become a good person, that's my #1 job. These are new challenges, it takes time to adapt. With the job I do, I'm lucky to have an incredible wife and I need that. When you have a crappy game like tonight and you come home, you see your son who doesn't understand anything about basketball and who is just happy to see his father, you put things into perspective. Even though my life still revolves a little around basketball, there are much more important things than sport.
From our correspondent in San Antonio (United States).
