Rudy Gobert: Timberwolves star joins 'legends' with record-equalling fourth NBA Defensive Player award

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has scooped the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award for a record-equalling fourth time.

The 31-year-old becomes only the third player to achieve the feat, after Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace, claiming his quartet of prizes over the last seven seasons.

"It's a blessing and an honour to join this small group," Gobert told ESPN.

"These two guys are legends. Every story is unique. I will keep writing mine and try to be the best version of myself every day and enjoy every step of the way.

"I'm grateful that my team-mates and this organisation believe in me and allowing me to be who I am. It's always about the team and pushing each other to give our best every day."

Gobert is the first Timberwolves player ever to receive the honour, having joined Minnesota in 2022 following a nine-year spell with the Utah Jazz.

It continues an excellent week for French basketball, with Gobert being the second Frenchman to claim a seasonal award after San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was named Rookie of the Year on Tuesday.

Wembanyama was Gobert’s biggest rival for the Defensive Player prize, finishing second in the voting, with Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat third on the 10-player shortlist.

However, it was a comfortable victory for Gobert, who received 72 first-place votes to Wembanyama’s 19.

Gobert was instrumental in the Timberwolves having the best defensive rating and allowing the fewest points per game and lowest field goal percentage to opponents in the NBA.

Gobert averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.13 blocks per game, the latter being his highest figure in three years.

A steely defense helped Minnesota finish the regular season as the No. 3 playoff seed in the Western Conference with a 56-26 record that was the second-best in franchise history.

After seeing off the Phoenix Suns 4-0, Gobert’s side are up against reigning NBA champions the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semi-finals.

They have got off to a dream start and lead the series 2-0, with Game 3 slated for Friday, May 10, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Gobert missed Game 2 following the birth of his first child on Monday morning.

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