As the 2024 NBA All-Star Game reserves were announced, the Minnesota Timberwolves were over the moon. Two of their players had landed spots in the lineup to compete alongside the starters. SG Anthony Edwards and PF Karl-Anthony Towns were named as reserves for the Western Conference. On the flip side was big man Rudy Gobert, who missed another chance of making it to the All-Star Game.

The last time that Gobert made it was during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game when he was named as a reserve. This time around, he was not selected, but the Wolves’ star is far from surprised. Instead, he admits that he did not expect anything to begin with.

“I get to get some vacation” 

As reporter Dane Moore shares, Gobert revealed his joy at teammates Ant and KAT’s selection to the Game. However, he expressed a sense of frustration at not being selected himself. If anything, he admits that he already saw it coming. “When it comes to me, I didn’t even put that much expectation in it. Not the first time I’ve been taken for granted, disrespected about these things. I’ve been in this league for a long time, I know how it works. I mean, I’m happy — at the end of the day, I get to get some vacation.”

Instead, the 3X NBA Defensive Player of the Year looks to the bright side. He continues, “The best defender in the world, the No. 1 team in the West and the No. 1 defense in the league, and we get to enjoy the beach during the All Star weekend. Might be a blessing, actually.”

Gobert is currently second in leading the league in rebounds with an average of 12.4. If we look back into his career, this is not the first time the star has been snubbed from an All-Star Game.

Every snub accounts for a vacation

In 2019, all hopes were high as Gobert expected a selection into the team. However, he was not named among the 14 All-Star Reserves. A disappointed Gobert revealed that it was a “rough night” when he found out that he was not selected. Poking fun at the many times he was snubbed, the 7’1″ center further told Moore, “You don’t have to feel bad… At my Hall of Fame speech, I’ll be able to joke about how many times I got to enjoy some extra vacation because I got snubbed for the All Star game.”

Well, Gobert can sit back in his vacation chair and find solace in the fact that he is leading the Wolves charts in rebounds (12.4) and blocks (2.1). The icing on the cake for him is that the team is leading the Western Conference with an impressive 34-14 record, owing to their dominating defensive approach and the culmination of star power thanks to Gobert, Ant, and KAT. The battle is already half-won for Gobert and the Wolves, who are now taking on Championship expectations.

Read More: “Made It Look 100 Times Worse”: Rudy Gobert Accused of Playing the Victim in Draymond Green’s Suspension

Was Rudy Gobert rightfully deserving of a spot in the All-Star Game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!