“Come with the receipts!” Reigning DPOY Rudy Gobert snaps back at his haters
Reigning DPOY Rudy Gobert hits back at critics and asks them to back up their criticism of him with accurate data.
Follow Us
Rudy Gobert
The basketball world can be so cruel, such that despite winning multiple Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) awards, Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves hasn’t always earned universal respect among his peers. His fourth DPOY win drew more criticism than admiration, especially from ex-players like Shaquille O’Neal.
In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Rudy Gobert appeared to have the last laugh as he challenged his critics to come up with evidence that proves he’s not worthy of his titles. And from the data available, he may have a point to prove that he is a worthy DPOY.
Just look at the numbers. Media manipulation and perception is one thing. But look at who is in the top five with guarding on switches last year or in isos. Look at the numbers. Numbers don’t lie… a lot of people discredit some of the awards with Defensive Player of the Year. That’s great. But when you do that, make sure you come with the receipts.
Rudy Gobert said
Rudy Gobert on dealing with constant criticism:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 6, 2024
“There is a saying that if you want to reach a destination, you can't throw rocks at every dog that barks.”
(via @MarkG_Medina, https://t.co/GEKbZ3Uj8w) pic.twitter.com/h1UPsDdSaz
As data cannot lie, during the 2023-24 season, he ranked first in isolation defense among players with at least 70 possessions and third among those with 60 or more possessions. Second Spectrum data further highlighted that the French man allowed the fewest points in direct isolation situations among players who defended at least 175 isolation possessions.
Fans will now wonder what Big Shaq has to stay about this after he controversially labeled Gobert the worst player. Nonetheless, Gobert has a lot of work to put in if he’s to fully silence his critics.
Victor Wembanyama wants to dunk on his guy Rudy Gobert
While critics are criticizing Rudy Gobert for ‘not deserving’ the NBA’s DPOY award, Victor Wembanyama, on the other hand, has expressed his desire to dunk on Gobert during his second season with the San Antonio Spurs. This is coming off the back of a moment where Gobert dunked on him in a Spurs loss in February.
I would say the best defenders would be the biggest challenges, so of course Rudy, my guy Rudy Gobert… I just respect them so much in the defensive end that it would be incredible to dunk on them.
Victor Wembanyama said via CBS Sports’ Ashley Nicole Moss:
Last season’s ROTY Wembanyama in the chat sounded eager to redeem himself, as well as come out on top against Gobert in their upcoming matchups. The two players recently teamed up as defensive anchors for Team France and secured a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Their first of many upcoming meetings will begin on the 2nd of November at the Frost Bank Center. And maybe it might be the game Wemby proves why he should have deserved last season’s DPOY.
Stay Updated!
Ubong Archibong
(1284 Articles Published)