French center Rudy Gobert has been criticized for his lack of offensive production most of his NBA career. Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch defended his player in a recent podcast appearance.
On the Road Trippin' Show, Finch praised his starting center referring to him as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
"First of all he's a great teammate. He's about the right things. He is a floor raiser. Like when he is out there every single night you are going to be at a certain level and have a chance to win every night. Great pro," Finch emphasized.
"He's driven by his pride and he's confident and he has every reason to believe he's a good player cuz he really is. He's a first ballot Hall of Famer."
Rudy Gobert
Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
Rudy Gobert's NBA career has reached another level in Minnesota
Rudy Gobert has built his NBA career around defense, rebounding, and efficiency, becoming one of the most decorated defensive centers of his generation.
Selected 27th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, Gobert spent his first nine seasons with the Utah Jazz. He became a three-time All-Star, earned multiple All-NBA selections, and won three Defensive Player of the Year awards before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2022.
The blockbuster trade initially received heavy criticism, but Gobert eventually helped Minnesota reach new heights. He won his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024, tying the NBA record, while anchoring the Timberwolves during consecutive Western Conference Finals appearances in 2024 and 2025.
Gobert remained an elite defender last season, averaging 10.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 68.2% from the field. He was named to the 2025-26 NBA All-Defensive First Team, his eighth career First Team selection and ninth All-Defensive honor overall.