Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert is a French professional basketball player known for his elite defensive skills, shot-blocking ability, and towering presence in the paint. Born in Saint-Quentin, France, Gobert began his professional career with Cholet Basket in the French league before declaring for the 2013 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft. He was selected 27th overall by the Denver Nuggets but was immediately traded to the Utah Jazz, where he would go on to become one of the league’s most dominant defensive anchors.

Over nine seasons with the Jazz, Gobert earned three NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards (2018, 2019, 2021) and was selected to multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive teams. He led the league in blocks in 2017 and rebounds in 2022, becoming the cornerstone of Utah’s defense and helping the team consistently reach the playoffs. Known for his exceptional wingspan and timing, Gobert built a reputation for altering shots and deterring opponents from driving to the rim.

In July 2022, Gobert was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster deal. Since joining Minnesota, he has continued to be a dominant force on defense, helping transform the Timberwolves into one of the league’s top defensive units. During the 2023–24 season, Gobert was again named NBA Defensive Player of the Year, marking the fourth such honor of his career.

Internationally, Gobert has been a key contributor for the French national team, winning silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and multiple medals at the FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket tournaments. Off the court, he is involved in philanthropic efforts through his Rudy’s Kids Foundation, which supports underserved children and youth around the world.