In spite of himself, Rudy Gobert is causing a lot of talk across the Atlantic. Especially for his trophies for best defender of the year that stick in the craw of some. This time, it was Chauncey Billups who commented on the Frenchman's performances. The Blazers coach is not as virulent as Draymond Green or Shaq, and that would obviously be very badly seen on the part of a coach.
But he still partly understands the criticism that has been levelled at the French team's pivot. “Don't get me wrong, he's a very big defender even if he's not as mobile as Ben Wallace. But we don't target very big defenders. We stay away from them.” he explained to Rasheed Wallace and Trill Withers.
Wembanyama without competition for the coming decade?
Twice voted in the NBA's second-best defensive five, Billups points to the fact that Wolves opponents don't hesitate to play one-on-one against Gobert. “He's very good around the rim, he gives his all, he can block and all that… But since he struggles when you spread the play and on pick-and-rolls, you just have to attack him and you just have to go get him.”
For Billups, it is in the playoffs that Gobert shows his limits. “In the regular season, I can understand that he is the best defender of the year. But when we dive into the playoffs, it's more delicate…”.
Asked about the best defender trophy for the coming seasons, Billups sees no suspense: “Wemby will win it 10 years in a row. It's a done deal!”
