These are two schools or two styles that clashed. On the one hand, the talent and the points of Karl Anthony Townsand on the other, the defense and rebounds of Rudy Gobert. For several years, the two players have fought for a place in the sun. That is to say, to win a place in the All-Star Game, to obtain votes for the All-NBA Teams, to sign big contracts.
Inevitably, when one stole a place from the other, it had an influence on the latter. The proof in 2019 when Rudy Gobert was elected to the All-NBA Third Team, which prevented Karl-Anthony Towns from unlocking a bonus of 30 million dollars in his contract. “I owe him a meal”slips the Frenchman.
Another element shows that the two players have been inseparable in recent years: since the 2017/2018 season, they have shared the pivotal position in the All-NBA Third Team. Rudy Gobert dominates with three appearances, against two for Karl-Anthony Towns.
“We had our battles, that’s for sure”, explains the Minnesota star at The Athletic. “We also knew that our rivalry had financial consequences. We fought to show that we were each better than the other and it gives a big rivalry. »
“We have Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid fighting for the first two places, KAT and I are for the last”
The former Jazz pivot seems less categorical when analyzing this duel from a distance but still confirms the race delivered between the two men.
“We had a lot of battles, but I think this rivalry was more invented by the media. It’s compared to the All-Star Games, to the All-NBA Teams. We have Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid fighting for the first two places, KAT and me are for the last. »
Real rivalry or creation of journalists, it is now ancient history with the arrival of the triple defender of the year in Minnesota this summer. The two interiors still have a lot of work to do on the pitch to create an understanding or even chemistry, but outside, they have already got to know each other.
“We fought for everything: trophies, places in the playoffs, etc. We fought a duel to find out who was the best to finally be together. We did not know each other and we had the opportunity to discuss. Rudy is one of the best guys I’ve known.” begins Karl-Anthony Towns. “What I love about him is that he wants people around him to have fun and win,” notices and pursues Rudy Gobert.
