The Minnesota Timberwolves feel that big man Rudy Gobert’s defensive showing against Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets through the first two games highlights why he should have received more recognition in this year’s awards voting, writes Tyler King of The Denver Gazette.
“It’s a joke that he wasn’t a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year,” head coach Chris Finch said after Minnesota’s Game 2 victory.
King points out that Jokic shot just 1-for-8 when defended by Gobert in Game 2, with seven of those attempts coming in the fourth quarter.
The player addressed the situation himself, brushing off the lack of recognition.
“I know who I am,” Gobert said. “It’s not the first time I get disrespected, probably not the last. If they want to disrespect greatness, take it for granted or whatever, sooner or later, they’ll realize the impact.”
Gobert has played 13 seasons for the Jazz and Timberwolves. He has averaged 12.5 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in 905 regular-season games.
He was selected to play in 3 All-Star games, and has won 4 Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Northwest Notes: Henderson, Watson, Gobert, Edwards https://t.co/s9npkbcjYr
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 23, 2026
