Rudy Gobert’s recent Olympic outings haven’t done him any favors. In the critical semifinal and quarterfinal games, Gobert played only 9 minutes and managed 0 points and 2 rebounds combined- a performance that has sparked significant scrutiny. Among the critics is former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, who didn’t mince words, labeling Gobert—a 4× NBA Defensive Player of the Year—as a “liability.”

In a clip from Gil’d Arena, Agent Zero criticizes Rudy Gobert’s defensive performance, questioning his skills despite his reputation as a top shot-blocker. “He is a liability. We’ve been watching it over and over, right? Utah- ‘He can’t play defense. We can’t use him defensively; take him out,’” Arenas said.

This comes after Vincent Collet, France’s Head Coach, revealed that the team wanted to start with the defensive five and the lineup had Victor Wembanyama replacing Rudy Gobert in the game against Canada. Arenas, who has openly criticized the Timberwolves Center’s DOPY awards, used the instance to highlight how that contradicts the honor.

“He’s considered the best defensive player but when you need him to be defensively, he is being pulled off the floor. It’s a contradiction to his awards. They are clearly saying, ‘we want to think defense, we need to bench this n****.'” 

Gobert’s defensive struggles were noticeable when the Timberwolves fell short of limiting the Luka Doncic led Mavericks offensively in the 2024 playoffs. The team was down 0-3 in conference finals. The centre had just won his 4th DOPY award and Arenas wasn’t having it then too.

“That trophy says Defensive Player of the Year. Not help side defender… If they take you out of the game dog, you should give your trophies back,” he had remarked. The opinion doesn’t seem to have changed much.

Why Gilbert Arenas criticizes Rudy Gobert

The benching of Rudy Gobert led to a surprising revival of France’s Olympic basketball campaign, and the reaction on social media has been intense. Gobert, who played just 5 minutes in France’s semifinal win over Germany, had previously cited a finger surgery as the reason for his limited playtime. However, head coach Vincent Collet quickly dismissed this, clarifying that the decision was purely based on matchups.

The France has seen a reliable offensive line-up in Guershon Yabusele, Isaia Cordinier, and Mathias Lessort majorly. When Gobert was sidelined against Canada, each put up 22, 20, and 13 respectively to keep the team running in the Olympics. “I don’t understand why this guy is not playing in the NBA,” the HC remarked speaking of the latter of the lot.

Rudy Gobert has previously averaged more than 10 points in major International games, but coming to Paris, he has been limited to 3.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, across 14.5 minutes. In his limited presence for the games, the team seemed to soar from dying hopes to a gold-medal contender. Speculations run that the pattern may continue but one will only know as the USA take on France for their 5th consecutive gold on August 10th.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.