Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert is a French professional basketball player of the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He also represents the French national team in their international competitions. Standing at 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) tall with a wingspan of 7 ft 9 in (2.36 m) long, he plays the center position. He is considered one of the NBA’s best rim protectors.
One of the most defining partnerships has been with Utah Jazz’s head coach Quin Snyder, beginning in 2014. This player-coach partnership, fueled by Snyder’s creative offense and Gobert’s exceptional defensive skills, transformed the Jazz into a consistent playoff team. In 2017, Gobert joined forces with Donovan Mitchell, a rookie guard who injected much-needed offensive firepower into the team. The dynamic duo turned Utah Jazz into a serious contender in the western conference.
In the same year, Gobert teamed up with NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to spearhead a global initiative promoting basketball and inclusivity, thereby solidifying his status beyond the court. His sportsmanship extended further when he partnered with Steve Nash in 2019 at the “Showdown NY” charity soccer game, an event organized by the Steve Nash Foundation. A notable ally on and off the court, Gobert worked alongside fellow NBA player Chris Paul in 2021 as part of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), a critical organization for player rights and advocacy. Finally, Gobert’s collaboration with French compatriot and NBA star Tony Parker on the French national team during the FIBA World Cup 2019 reflected his commitment to his home country and international basketball.
Rudy Gobert’s career is illustrious. In 2018 and 2019, he received the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, a recognition of his outstanding capabilities as a defensive player. His contribution to the Utah Jazz’s brilliant performance in the 2020-21 season earned him a spot in the NBA All-Star team. The year 2020 also saw him receive the Maurice Podoloff Trophy, a testament to his stature as a valued team player. Gobert’s contribution to his home country was acknowledged when he was a key part of the French National team that won the Bronze medal at the FIBA World Cup in 2019. His philanthropic endeavors were also recognized in 2021 when he received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award, reflecting his commitment to community service. Lastly, his exceptional performance in the 2022-23 season marked his entry into the All-NBA First Team, an acknowledgment of his standing as one of the best players in the league.