Frenchman Rudy Gobert, center of the Minnesota Timberwolves, was named “best defender of the year”, equaling the league record by winning the trophy for the fourth time, the NBA announced Tuesday. Aged 31, Gobert had already received the award three times in 2018, 2019 and 2021, but this is a first with the Minnesota jersey, which he joined in 2022 from the Utah Jazz .
Fourth title in seven years
Rudy Gobert thus equals the absolute record of four titles for best defensive player of the year won by Ben Wallace of Detroit (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006) and Dikembe Mutombo (1995, 1997, 1998 and 2001) with Denver, Atlanta and Philadelphia.
The French giant (2.16 m) received 72 votes from a panel of members of the media to claim his fourth title of best defender in seven years ahead of his compatriot Victor Wembanyama, the 20-year-old prodigy of the San Antonio Spurs named Monday’s “rookie of the year” second with 19 votes and Miami’s Bam Adebayo third with three votes. Gobert averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.3 assists per game this season for the Timberwolves.
Iron Defense
“Rudy has been the driving force behind the defensive culture here,” said Timberwolves coach Chris Finch. “It’s a testament to his impact, his presence and what he instilled in the team about the importance of defense and how great it can be when we implement it.” Gobert is a key element of the Wolves’ iron defense, the best in the NBA this season.
After finishing in 3rd place in the Western Conference at the end of the regular season, Minnesota impressed during the play-offs. Victorious over Phoenix in the first round (4-0), the Wolves lead 2-0 against defending champion Denver after two successes in Colorado. Minnesota pulled off a breathtaking defensive performance on Monday (106-80 victory) without Rudy Gobert, absent so he could be at the side of his girlfriend who gave birth to their son on Monday, according to several media.
“His name is Romeo and he is doing very well,” Gobert told TNT. “Many blessings. I’m truly grateful.” Olympic vice-champion in 2021 in Tokyo, Gobert is an executive of the French team which is aiming for gold at the Paris Olympic Games (July 26 – August 11).