By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Rudy Gobert discussed his journey from French courts to NBA stardom, his life in Minneapolis, and the challenges that shaped his elite defensive mentality in his appearance on the latest edition of the Prime Timeout series.
During the interview, the conversation turned toward the high-ceiling potential of the French senior national team. With a new generation of talent emerging, Gobert remains a cornerstone of the program’s ambitions for the FIBA World Cup 2027 and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. When asked about his vision for these upcoming milestones and his place within this rising squad, the veteran center made his primary motivation clear.
“I’ve always dreamed of winning a gold medal at the Olympics,” stated the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-Star. “So that is clearly the goal. We possess immense talent, and we have the power to shock the world.”
Gobert also reflected on the narrow losses to Team USA in the gold medal games at both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. When asked about the prospect of seeking revenge against the Americans on their home turf in Los Angeles, Gobert suggested that those previous heartbreaks were part of a larger process.
“Listen, I think nothing happens by chance, and it was very painful, whether it was in Tokyo or in Paris,” Gobert admitted regarding the consecutive championship defeats. “So things should get back to normal eventually, of course.”
In addition to his two silver Olympic medals, his international resume features two World Cup bronze medals and two EuroBasket medals, one silver and one bronze.