“That’s kind of crazy…” Draymond Green subtly disses rival Rudy Gobert getting removed from France line-up at Paris Olympics

Draymond Green weighs in on Rudy Gobert's surprising benching from France's Olympic lineup implying it was a tactical decision.

“That’s kind of crazy…” Draymond Green subtly disses rival Rudy Gobert getting removed from France line-up at Paris Olympics

Draymond Green and Rudy Gobert (Images via Open Source/X)

Draymond Green has weighed in on the surprising decision by France to bench Rudy Gobert from their starting lineup at the Paris Olympics. Green expressed his confusion on his podcast, stating that only Team USA has the luxury of benching NBA stars due to their abundance of elite talent. 

Green questioned the official reason for Gobert’s benching, instead, he believed the decision was tactical, aimed at improving France’s chances of winning. He suggested that Gobert’s replacement, Guerschon Yabusele, was chosen for his physicality and strength, which paid off against Canada.

To be taken out of the lineup on any other team in the Olympics as an NBA player not named Team USA is kind of crazy.
Draymond Green said on his podcast

The comments are not surprising, given the history between Draymond Green and Gobert. The two have been rivals since 2017, when they competed for Defensive Player of the Year. Their feud has escalated over the years, with public jabs and insults. Green’s latest comments can be seen as a subtle diss, adding fuel to the fire.

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As France prepares to face Germany, who boast tall centers, Rudy Gobert may be reinstated to the starting lineup if he recovers from his injury. However, the drama surrounding his benching has sparked a lively debate, with Green’s comments adding to the intrigue.

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France advances to semifinals despite Gobert’s injury scare

France’s men’s basketball team secured an 82-73 win over Canada in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics, but concerns arose about big man Rudy Gobert’s availability due to a finger injury. Gobert played fewer than four minutes and grabbed just one rebound, while NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama struggled with 2-of-10 shooting.

I have full trust in my teammates and coaches. It worked. You saw the way we started tonight. The guys were ready to play. They set the tone for the whole game.
Rudy Gobert said about his absence

Despite the lackluster performance of their NBA stars, France’s lesser-known players stepped up to lead the team to victory. Guerschon Yabusele and Isaia Cordinier combined for 42 points and six three-pointers, keeping Canada’s talented squad at bay.

France’s semifinal matchup against Germany poses a significant challenge, especially if Gobert’s injury persists. Germany boasts a strong team with size in the frontcourt, making Gobert’s rim protection and rebounding crucial. A potential gold-medal game against the US, featuring Joel Embiid, Bam Adebayo, and Anthony Davis, also highlights the importance of Gobert’s availability.

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