Since the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics, Minnesota Timberwolves fans have been wondering about the injury status of Rudy Gobert. The star big man suffered a finger injury during the international competition, and many wondered if he might experience complications going into next NBA season.
Of course, Rudy was a massive reason for the Timberwolves' success in 2023-24. His defensive prowess earned him his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award, and helped Minnesota earn 56 regular season victories. Entering next season without him would be a big problem.
But thankfully, it appears Wolves fans can stop holding their breath. On Tuesday, Timberwolves President Tim Connelly appeared on KFAN, Minnesota's sports radio station, and provided an injury update.
Gobert's finger is "fine now" according to Tim Connelly
During the radio show, Connelly commented on Gobert's injury, stating that "it's fine now." He also confirmed that Rudy's finger had been "opened up" during the Olympics, without knowing exactly what type of procedure was done on it to correct the injury.
This should produce a major sigh of relief from the Minnesota faithful that had been waiting for an answer for the last few weeks. Had the Timberwolves been forced to go into opening night against the Lakers without Gobert, they could have very well begun the season 0-1.
Getting into an early hole in the standings would not be advisable in such a stacked Western Conference. The Wolves will need every game they can possibly get in 2024-25, and the confirmation of Rudy's health is an excellent sign going forward.