Rudy Gobert, once regarded as one of the most dominant defenders in NBA history, is now facing increasing scrutiny following a significant decline in his performance.
This decline became particularly evident during the 2024 Olympics when the French national team decided to bench him midway through the tournament. Gobert, who had been a key player for France, struggled to make an impact on the court, ultimately becoming a liability.
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The decision to bench him highlighted the growing concerns about his effectiveness, especially when compared to other players like Guerschon Yabusele, who proved to be more valuable in scoring.
Much of the attention on Gobert’s struggles can be traced back to his encounters with Luka Doncic. The Dallas Mavericks star has consistently outperformed Gobert, both in the regular season and playoffs. This ongoing rivalry began in 2022 when Doncic taunted Gobert, and it has only intensified since. In the 2024 Western Conference Finals, Doncic delivered a game-winning shot over Gobert, further solidifying his dominance.
Gobert’s challenges extend beyond his matchups with Doncic. He has struggled to defend against quicker guards like Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, and Devin Booker, particularly on the perimeter. This weakness was starkly exposed during the Olympics, where Gobert’s limited playing time and lack of scoring contributed to France’s struggles.
In key matches against Canada, Germany, and the USA, Gobert was largely ineffective, raising questions about his future as a top-tier defender.
For Dallas Mavericks fans, Gobert’s actions during the Olympics, including an incident where he appeared to hit Dwight Powell with a basketball, have only fueled their disdain. As the upcoming NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Gobert to see if he can reclaim his status as an elite defender, with a highly anticipated rematch against the Mavericks set for Christmas Day 2024.
Whether this is a temporary setback or a sign of a more permanent decline, it remains to be seen if Gobert can once again rise to the top of his game.
