We are all aware of the tension that exists between Minnesota Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert and four-time NBA champion Draymond Green. The two have plenty of history - including when Green forcibly put Gobert into a headlock during a game this past season.
Or who could forget in the Western Conference Finals just a few months ago when Draymond routinely appeared on set with the NBA on TNT crew. He used that opportunity to publicly criticize Rudy and unfairly direct all the Timberwolves' failings at him.
There is plenty of evidence that something is not right between these two. Perhaps Draymond is bothered by Rudy's large trophy case, or perhaps some personal disagreement we do not know about is in play as well. But either way, we continue to get new episodes of this soap opera, with the newest coming in the wake of Gobert's finger injury.
Minnesota's center has of course been competing with Team France at the Olympics, and he was performing very well until an injury forced him out of the starting lineup earlier this week. Rudy apparently suffered an injury to his left ring finger at practice, which led to him playing sparingly against Canada on Tuesday.
"To be taken out of the lineup on any other team in the Olympics as an NBA player, not named Team USA is kind of crazy"
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) August 7, 2024
—@Money23Green reacts to Rudy Gobert getting benched for France pic.twitter.com/YqhOwmuwBd
Draymond questioned the legitimacy of Rudy's injury
Going on his self-named podcast, Draymond decided to break down this situation. He pointed out that there had been an inconsistency with the way Gobert's injury was reported. The initial story we all got was that Rudy had surgery and the recovery from his procedure was what was ultimately limiting him.
But Green says he understood the message from Team France's coach to be that Gobert was being benched for a matchup concern. Draymond then essentially says he believes Gobert is not telling the truth. "We don't know what's true," said Green. "I don't think we have any reason to believe Rudy is lying, except for the coach saying that it was for matchups."
Draymond then explains that the game tape backs up his take on the situation. "In the three minutes that Rudy checked in, Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander) started getting off," he said. "Wemby had a rough night, but coach said 'I can't have both of my bigs not playing great,' ... Well, you decide who gotta go. I know who I'd pick."
This public and not-so-subtle callout of Gobert is the least surprising thing we could expect from Draymond. It is simply the latest instance of Green's distaste for the Timberwolves' big man being made public. At the same time, any new information that comes out about Rudy's injury could reveal whether Draymond was actually correct or not.