50 Facts About Rudy Gobert

Early Life and Background

Rudy Gobert's journey to NBA stardom began in France. His early life and family background played a significant role in shaping his career.

1. Rudy Gobert was born on June 26, 1992, in Saint-Quentin, Aisne, France.
2. His father, Rudy Bourgarel, was a former professional basketball player who played at Marist College from 1985 to 1988.
3. Despite his father's basketball background, Rudy was never pressured to play the sport, allowing him to develop a genuine love for it.
4. Gobert stands at an impressive 7 feet 1 inch (2.16 meters) tall with a wingspan of 7 feet 9 inches (2.36 meters).

NBA Draft and Early Career

Gobert's entry into the NBA marked the beginning of a remarkable career. His draft night and early years set the stage for his future success.

5. Gobert was selected 27th overall in the 2013 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets.
6. The Utah Jazz acquired him on draft night in a trade that sent the rights to Erick Green and cash to the Nuggets.
7. By the end of his second season with the Jazz, Gobert had become a starter, significantly improving the team's defense.
8. This led to the Jazz trading away Enes Kanter to free up more minutes for Gobert, solidifying his role as the team's top center.

Defensive Dominance

Rudy Gobert is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in NBA history. His defensive prowess has earned him numerous accolades.

9. Gobert has won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award four times, tied for the most in NBA history with Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace.
10. He has been selected to seven consecutive All-Defensive First Teams between 2016 and 2022.
11. In the 2016-2017 season, Gobert led the NBA in blocks per game.
12. During the 2021-2022 season, he led the league in rebounds per game.

Career Achievements and Records

Gobert's career is filled with impressive statistics and records that highlight his impact on the court.

13. Gobert signed a four-year, $102 million contract extension with the Jazz in 2016, making him the best-paid French athlete at the time.
14. As of the end of his time with the Jazz, Gobert ranked among the top 10 in franchise history in various categories, including games played, minutes played, and total rebounds.
15. He averaged 14.8 points per game during his peak years with the Jazz.
16. Despite facing injuries, Gobert has managed to stay healthy for most of his playing time, maintaining a high level of performance.

COVID-19 and Community Involvement

Gobert's positive COVID-19 test in 2020 had a significant impact on the NBA season. His response to the pandemic showcased his commitment to the community.

17. In March 2020, Gobert became the first NBA player to test positive for COVID-19, leading to a season hiatus.
18. He donated $200,000 to help part-time workers at Jazz games who lost income due to canceled games.
19. Gobert also donated $310,000 to families in Utah, Oklahoma City, and France during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unique Training and Interests

Gobert's training regimen and personal interests contribute to his success on the court. His dedication to staying in shape is evident in his unique workouts.

20. Gobert is a fan of boxing and incorporates boxing workouts into his training regimen to improve his athleticism and endurance.
21. His standing reach of 9 feet 9 inches makes him an intimidating presence in the paint.
22. Since the NBA began tracking screen assists and contested shots in 2016-2017, Gobert has consistently ranked among the best in both categories.

Leadership and Impact on Teams

Gobert's leadership on defense has been instrumental in the success of his teams. His presence on the court elevates the performance of those around him.

23. Under coach Quin Snyder, the Jazz developed an identity as one of the best defensive teams in the league, with Gobert as the anchor.
24. Gobert's work on the glass is a significant aspect of his game, averaging 3.2 and 3.4 offensive rebounds per game over the last two seasons.
25. The Jazz's defensive improvement since Gobert's insertion into the starting lineup has been substantial, never ranking worse than seventh in Defensive Rating.

Trade to Minnesota Timberwolves

Gobert's trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves marked a new chapter in his career. His impact on the team continues to be significant.

26. In 2023, Gobert was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a larger deal involving several players and draft picks.
27. As a key player for the Timberwolves, Gobert continues to be a dominant force on defense.
28. His presence in the paint and ability to protect the rim are crucial to the team's success.

International Career and Achievements

Gobert's contributions extend beyond the NBA. His performances in international competitions have brought him recognition on the global stage.

29. Gobert represents the French national team in international competitions, showcasing his skills on the global stage.
30. He has participated in several major tournaments, including the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
31. Gobert has represented France in the Olympics, participating in both the 2016 Summer Olympics and the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Personal Life and Interests

Gobert's personal life and interests provide insight into the man behind the player. His humble personality and dedication to the sport are evident in his actions.

32. Gobert is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality.
33. He has spoken publicly about the importance of family and staying grounded despite his success in the NBA.
34. Gobert is active on social media platforms, often engaging with fans and sharing insights into his training regimen and personal life.
35. In 2018, Gobert made headlines by posting a video of himself going through a boxing workout to train for the season.

Legacy and Future

Gobert's legacy in the NBA is already significant, and his future promises continued success. His impact on the game will be remembered for years to come.

36. Gobert's father, Rudy Bourgarel, played a significant role in his early life, encouraging him to enjoy basketball without pressure.
37. Gobert set a new record at the NBA Draft Combine in 2013-2014 with a wingspan of 7 feet 8.5 inches.
38. During his time with the Jazz, Gobert achieved several career highs, including scoring 35 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in a single game against the New York Knicks on March 22, 2017.
39. Gobert holds several franchise records for the Utah Jazz, including most consecutive games with 10-plus rebounds (25) and most double-doubles in a season (31).

Community and Charitable Work

Gobert's involvement in the community extends beyond his on-court achievements. His charitable work demonstrates his commitment to giving back.

40. Gobert has been involved in various charitable activities, including donating $200,000 to help part-time workers at Jazz games who lost income due to canceled games during the COVID-19 pandemic.
41. He has shown support for his community by donating $310,000 to families in Utah, Oklahoma City, and France during the pandemic.
42. Gobert's interest in boxing has influenced his training regimen, incorporating boxing workouts to improve his endurance and overall athleticism.
43. He is active on social media platforms, often engaging with fans and sharing insights into his training regimen and personal life.

Fan Favorite and Leadership

Gobert's leadership and popularity among fans make him a beloved figure in the basketball world. His contributions both on and off the court are widely recognized.

44. Gobert is a fan favorite due to his humble personality and dedication to the sport.
45. Under coach Quin Snyder, Gobert has taken on a leadership role within the Jazz organization.
46. The trade that brought Gobert to the Jazz was one of the most significant in franchise history, leading to improved defensive performance and increased success on the court.

Offensive Development and Injury Management

Gobert's offensive skills and ability to manage injuries have contributed to his overall success. His dedication to improving his game is evident in his performance.

47. While primarily known for his defense, Gobert has shown significant improvement in his offensive skills over the years.
48. Despite facing injuries throughout his career, Gobert has managed to stay healthy for most of his playing time.

Legacy in Utah and Current Status

Gobert's legacy in Utah is significant, and his current status with the Timberwolves marks a new chapter in his career. His impact on the game continues to be felt.

49. Gobert's legacy in Utah is significant, remembered as one of the best players in franchise history.
50. As of the latest updates, Gobert continues to be a dominant force in the NBA, with his trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves marking a new chapter in his career.

Rudy Gobert: A Defensive Titan

Rudy Gobert's journey from Saint-Quentin, France, to the NBA has been nothing short of remarkable. Standing at 7 feet 1 inch with a wingspan of 7 feet 9 inches, his physical attributes make him a defensive powerhouse. Gobert's accolades, including four NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards and multiple All-Defensive First Team selections, highlight his dominance on the court. His impact extends beyond defense, contributing significantly to his teams' successes. From leading the league in blocks and rebounds to his charitable efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gobert's influence is felt both on and off the court. Now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he continues to be a key player, showcasing his skills and leadership. Rudy Gobert's legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history is firmly established, and his story inspires many.