Rudy Gobert is one of the most dominant defensive big men in the NBA, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, key anchor for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and a high-profile figure inside the league. Yet, despite his accolades, he’s become something of a lightning rod: players take verbal jabs; analysts critique his game; even Hall-of-Famers publicly mock him.
So what’s behind this pattern of friction? Is Gobert the instigator, or is he merely a target? Below, we explore the root causes of his recurring beefs with others in the NBA.
What Gives Rise To Rudy Gobert’s Confrontations With Opponents And Peers?
Several recurring themes help explain why Gobert ends up in conflict so often:
Unconventional style + un-flashy excellence. Gobert admits that his style of play — rim protection, lob threats, verticality — is not always “cool” or easy for other players to respect. He says: “In their eyes, I’m more like the odd guy from France that’s winning a lot of awards … maybe it’s harder for them to respect that.”Large contract + perceived mismatch in value. After signing a major deal (five-year, $205 million) with Minnesota, the pay-vs-production narrative heated up. Critics like Shaquille O’Neal publicly questioned Gobert’s value relative to his salary.Which Notable Beefs Has Gobert Been Involved In?
From his side:
Gobert says he simply doesn’t understand why people speak disrespectfully of him when they don’t know him. “Why would they say that about me…” he asked.
Rudy Gobert keeps having beefs in the NBA, not because he seeks them out, but because of a combination of factors: his unconventional style, huge contract, cultural outsider status, and hyperscrutiny from players and media alike.
The post Why Rudy Gobert Keeps Beefing With Everyone In The NBA – Explained originally published on Total Pro Sports.