In recent years, it has almost become the cool thing to do to make disparaging remarks when it comes to Rudy Gobert. Whether it’s the king’s ransom that the Minnesota Timberwolves gave up to acquire him in 2022, viral moments like Luka Doncic cooking him on the perimeter in the playoffs, or Shaquille O’Neal and Draymond Green clearly having an agenda when it comes to him, Gobert isn’t seen by many in the high regard that he should be.
Those criticisms are mostly unfounded and unfair. Gobert is one of three players with four Defensive Player of the Year awards to his name, and deservedly so. Now 33 years old, Gobert is continuing to play some of the best basketball of his career, and he once again should receive defensive honors at the conclusion of the season.
First-team All-Defensive again for Gobert?
On the most recent episode of The Game Theory podcast, Sam Vecenie spoke with Bryce Simon about a variety of topics, including Gobert.
He (Gobert) should be first team All-Defense," Vecenie said. "Having like really dug into their tape this week, he should be first team All-Defense…this year, opponents are shooting 50.5 percent at the rim against him.
That 50.5 percent mark is elite, and one of the best in the league. The 7-foot-1 big man still makes it hellish for opposing players who attempt to drive to the hole when he is manning the middle.
2021 Rudy Gobert was one of the best single defensive seasons in NBA history.
— Stifle-Tower27 (@Stifle_Tower27) January 6, 2026
This year some stats are putting him at that level again if not better. Also the best Off Rebounding szn he’s had.
Red=2020-21 Blue=2025-26 pic.twitter.com/JAEOMv3sfQ
After a slow start by the team on the defensive end, the Timberwolves are up to eighth in the league in defensive rating (113.2). It’s at 108 when Gobert is on the court, a number that would be second in the league only behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Giving himself a chance for his fifth Defensive Player of the Year
Now in his 13th season, Gobert has made an All-Defensive team eight times, all coming in the last nine seasons (seven first team, one second team). Anyone who has kept an eye on the Timberwolves in game action this year would have to agree, barring injury, that this will be the ninth time in 10 years.
Could Gobert become the first player to win five DPOYs? There is still half a regular season remaining, but he’s put himself in the running. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Chet Holmgren is currently the large favorite at -120, but Gobert has the second-best odds at +300.
If Gobert hadn't won the award previously, it's fair to believe he'd be the favorite for this award, though.