To say that Rudy Gobert isn’t the most popular player in the NBA would be a huge understatement.
As a matter of fact, we could even make a case for him being the most disrespected player in the league.
However, despite all the criticism — deserved or not –, Gobert’s résumé has him as a future Hall of Famer.
On top of that, he’s already made more money in his career than some of the greatest players in NBA history.
That’s why, as much as people, pundits, and even some of his current and former colleagues may want to discredit him, he’s not bothered by all the mockery.
In a recent interview with Mark Medina, the French big man claimed that those who criticize him or discredit his four Defensive Player of the Year awards should back up their claims with data (via Legion Hoops).
Rudy Gobert calls for receipts from people discrediting his DPOY awards:
“Make sure you come with the receipts. Make sure you come in with the numbers and the data that can prove your point.”
(via @MarkG_Medina, https://t.co/GEKbZ3Uj8w) pic.twitter.com/FlBVlqVOXe
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 5, 2024
That’s fair, as his advanced stats are usually some of the best in the league.
Then again, that has never been the point.
Everybody has seen how good a defender he is.
That only puts more weight on his shoulders in key times, and we’ve watched him being played off the floor in clutch times and in the playoffs.
You cannot be the Defensive Player of the Year and be unplayable in some scenarios; that’s just a fact.
Even so, no one can take anything away from what he’s accomplished.
Like it or not, like him or not, Gobert has earned his stripes in the league, and he deserves plenty of credit.
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