“I’ll be the first to admit it: That was just plain stupid. I know I mess up a lot,” said DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins in a 2017 interview with USA Today. Fast forward to today, and Boogie might just be admitting to another potential mess-up, or maybe he’s just speaking his mind. The 4X All-Star didn’t seem all that impressed by one of the 4X DPOY awardees. Now, only three players in NBA history have snagged the Defensive Player of the Year four times—and each did it in their own unforgettable way. Dikembe Mutombo? Over 3,200 blocks and those DPOYs in ’95, ’97, ’98, and ’01? Well-earned, and that iconic finger wag lives on. Ben Wallace? At 6’9″, he earned four DPOYs (‘02, ’03, ’05, ’06), becoming the heart of the 2004 championship Pistons squad. Then there’s Rudy Gobert, who joined the elite club with wins in ’18, ’19, ’21, and now in ’24.

Boogie doesn’t seem to be quite happy with the performance of this latest entrée. But there is no denying that Gobert’s defensive prowess is backed by impressive statistics that underscore his 4X DPOY accolades. Over his career, Gobert has averaged 12.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game across 829 regular-season games, showcasing his consistency and impact on both ends of the floor, as reported by StatMuse. His ability to protect the rim is evident in his career total of 1,718 blocks, placing him among the league’s elite shot-blockers. Additionally, Gobert’s defensive rating stands at 102.5, reflecting his efficiency in limiting opponents’ scoring. ​These statistics highlight Gobert’s role as a dominant defensive force in the NBA, earning him recognition as one of the premier defenders of his era. 

The real news? Boogie called Gobert as the “most overrated player” of NBA, and disagreed, “with Haliburton being the most overrated”. Talking to Run It Back, he didn’t hold back, saying, “You can’t be a 4X DPOY and get played off the floor.” When Lou Williams pointed out that Gobert was a former DPOY, Boogie wasn’t having it. He questioned Gobert’s defense, saying, “The same thing was happening when he won the award that year.” For Boogie, winning DPOY four times means you’re supposed to be a “generational defender”, meaning that “he is the best defender of this past decade.” And he was not about to hear excuses, adding, “There’s no such thing as a bad matchup for a 4X DPOY.”

No doubt, Gobert hasn’t quite earned the same reverence as the other two legends he shares that elite 4x DPOY list with. But the real question is—does he actually deserve that kind of shade?

Rudy Gobert tested as Luka Doncic exploits defensive gaps

Gobert’s performance in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs was scrutinized, and it wasn’t his best showing. In 29 minutes, the Timberwolves’ big man shot 2-of-5 from the floor and finished with just 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals (CBS Sports). Statistically, it was a quiet showing for someone who had just been crowned a four-time Defensive Player of the Year. Gobert struggled to contribute significantly offensively, and his rebounding totals fell well short of his season average of 12.9 rebounds per game, even though he did offer good contests near the rim and change some shots. A recurrent theme throughout his playoff career, his modest presence on both ends raised concerns about his postseason consistency.

On the other side of the court, Luka Doncic turned the pressure all the way up. Doncic dropped 31 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out 9 assists, nearly posting a triple-double. He constantly sought switches onto Gobert and wasn’t shy about attacking the matchup. One play in particular—a floater over Gobert followed by Luka shouting “sub him out!”—went viral and sparked even more criticism of the Timberwolves’ defensive anchor. While Gobert did contest shots effectively in stretches, Luka’s control of the game and ability to expose mismatches tilted the momentum in the Lakers’ favor.

Following the 94–85 loss, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch acknowledged the team’s struggles. “We had a lot of defensive breakdowns that cost us,” Finch said postgame to Star Tribune. While he didn’t single out Gobert, the implication was clear—the Wolves’ defense didn’t meet the moment. Minnesota now trails in the series, and with their playoff hopes on the line, all eyes will be on how Gobert and the squad respond moving forward.

With the Wolves down in the series and pressure mounting, Gobert’s response could shape more than just this postseason—it could reshape how he’s viewed among the game’s elite defenders. His numbers, accolades, and regular-season impact are undeniable, but the playoffs demand another level. If he can rise to that challenge, then maybe he can silence the doubters, most notably Boogie.