Arrived in 2013 in Salt Lake City, Rudy Gobert (30 years old, 2.16 m) changes NBA franchise for the first time in his career. Direction Minneapolis and the Minnesota Timberwolves for the pivot of the France team who, like everyone else, learned his fate on July 2.
He says: “It was a pretty good day! I saw Adrian Wojnarowski’s tweet (ESPN journalist specializing in transfer announcements) and at the same time Bouna (N’Diaye, his agent), and the general manager of Jazz called me. I immediately understood. They thanked me and said that they made sure to send me to a team that could win the title. They were grateful for what I brought to the Jazz. »
“Then it was a crazy sequence. There’s a lot going on, even today. This is the first time that I have been traded, ”underlines the Olympic vice-champion on July 4 in L’Equipe. He resumes: “I have just spent nine years in the same franchise and, there, I have a lot of things to manage, to collect. But it’s a lot of excitement, especially since I’m going to a franchise that I think can win the title. »
This change of franchise had been in the air for a few weeks, since the failure of Utah in the race for the playoffs. Rudy Gobert expected to change his life: “I knew there was going to be change, indicates the French pivot. I was prepared for any scenario. I knew I was going to fall into a team that would have the weapons to play at a very high level. I am in my best years as a basketball player, I was not going to strengthen teams that want to rebuild. »
“Three days before the announcement, he says again, my agent asked me if a team like Minnesota could interest me. He’s a newcomer to the landscape, and it represented a big sporting challenge, so I said yes. It’s always good to go somewhere you’re wanted. I knew Utah wouldn’t trade me for nothing. I found Minnesota’s offer very hard to refuse. I also hope it’s a win-win exchange. »
It now remains for Rudy Gobert to launch his second life in the NBA. With big ambitions and an All Star partner, the other pivot Karl-Anthony Towns. The association of the two giants is likely to make sparks: “We have not yet exchanged with Karl-Anthony Towns but it will not be long, continues Rudy Gobert. When I think about it, it’s very funny: he and I have always been opposed during our career, compared. I never imagined that we would play next to each other. It can give something incredible. »
“At the Euro to obtain a title with the Blues”
“The world already knows that the big men can dominate, we have seen it in recent years even if the Warriors are champions, he ends. But when you see the Jokics, the Embiids, me, Towns… we are greats and major pieces. Now there are two on the same team. I can’t wait and can’t wait to get started with Minnesota. I’m going to come in and do whatever it takes to help this franchise get where it wants to go. Especially since personally, I never went further than the second round. I want to take this team to the top. »
Before starting the season with the Timberwolves, Rudy Gobert promises that he will be with the Blues this summer to compete in the European Championship in Germany: “I signed up with the France team. Logistically, I have many things to settle with my move in particular, but I am preparing for this deadline. And we are going to go to the Euro to obtain a title of champion with the Blues, ”assures the pivot.