Rudy Gobert has garnered his share of critics over the years, but one specific gripe is prompting a passionate response from the Minnesota Timberwolves big man.
In the team's Western Conference Semifinals series against the Denver Nuggets, a seven-game thriller that seemingly suggested a changing of the guard, Gobert missed the second matchup to witness the birth of his first child. Both Draymond Green and Gilbert Arenas questioned the decision, considering the NBA Playoffs to be a special occasion in its own right. Others shared the sentiment.
The four-time Defensive Player of the Year is now firmly expressing his opinion on the matter.
“This is one thing I decided I was never going to miss in my life,” Gobert told Melissa Rohlin of FOX Sports. “I love this game. I dedicated my whole life to this game. But this is one thing that is above that. And that's being there for the birth of my child. I think everyone in this locker room understands that.”
The Timberwolves won Game 2 without the veteran center, but regardless of outcome, they appeared to fully support his decision to welcome his baby into the world. Most people will stand behind him for such a stance, but Rudy Gobert is drawing plenty of harsh judgment for his performance in the Western Conference Finals.
Rudy Gobert, Timberwolves face steep climb vs. Mavericks
The exalted defense of Gobert and Minnesota has not been enough to thwart the efforts of the Dallas Mavericks' backcourt. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have feasted on the Wolves for much of the series and are making sure that their teammates are being well-fed, too. Gobert's struggles in isolation on the perimeter continue to be magnified in the NBA Playoffs.
The team puzzled many fans when it switched the 31-year-old Frenchman on Doncic in the closing seconds of Game 2. The All-NBA guard put the top-notch defender on skates and drilled a terrific 3-pointer to push the Mavs to victory. Gobert should not be the only one to shoulder blame for the Timberwolves' conference finals pitfalls, however.
Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns have not lived up to their star billing. But that changed in Tuesday's Game 4. The former was one assist from a triple-double and the latter finally erupted from 3-point land. Rudy Gobert also left his mark in the season-saving 105-100 victory, posting 13 points and 10 rebounds to go along with stalwart defense.
When this elite rim protector produces, it opens up a plethora of opportunities for Minnesota. Fans may doubt his postseason prowess, but he is an undeniable gamebreaker when at his best. Gobert must look to set the tone on defense again and be ready on offense when the Timberwolves return home to the Target Center for Game 5.
Down 3-1, the odds still look insurmountable. Though, if they somehow manage to complete an unprecedented comeback, Gobert will have one heck of a story to tell his son years from now.
“You were born a few weeks before I helped make NBA history.”
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