After taking Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, the Minnesota Timberwolves are all set to take a two-game lead against the Denver Nuggets. However, the Wolves will be a man short as All-Star center Rudy Gobert will miss Game 2 for the birth of his first child. Meanwhile, Gobert’s decision to take a crucial game off to support his girlfriend while she’s giving birth didn’t sit well with Gilbert Arenas.
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Rudy Gobert not being in the starting lineup drew a surprising reaction from Agent Zero, who mocked the French star’s decision to miss a playoff game for the birth of his firstborn. On the latest episode of Gil’s Arena, the 42-year-old said,
“It’s a baby bro. It’s gon be there when you get back. We hoping. I mean, I’m just saying…Whatever you think you about to do with the baby, it’s going to be asleep…I get that you wanna be with your wife and smile and stuff and you’re good; NBA healthcare and insurance, it’s because of you playing.”
Rudy missin’ playoff games for…a baby?
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😭😭😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/VrAxIwGsL0 pic.twitter.com/b4Od4MfzoE
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) May 7, 2024
Rudy Gobert and his girlfriend, Julia Bonilla, decided to share the news of their child’s birth with the world via an Instagram post on February 21, 2024.
Now, onto the comments made by Gilbert Arenas and the rest of the panel. While it is understandable that the T-Wolves are in a critical juncture of their season, Gobert’s reason to miss the game shouldn’t be trivialized.
Moreover, the things Arenas said, that led the panel and a few people behind the scenes to burst out in laughter, were quite disrespectful. As co-host Josiah Johnson tried to dilute Arenas’ remarks, former NBA guard Brandon Jennings jumped in as well with a few jabs of his own.
Gobert isn’t the leading scorer for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but his contributions on the defensive end of the floor cannot be overlooked. The French star is a threatening presence in the paint for opposing players.
He can grab both offensive and defensive rebounds, block and deflect shots, as well as throw quick outlet passes to Karl-Anthony Towns or Anthony Edwards for easy fastbreak points. As per StatMuse, Gobert had 6 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 1 steal in Game 1. But the T-Wolves have the depth to hold out in the absence of their premier center.
Rudy Gobert will have the support of his teammates
While Gilbert Arenas made fun of Rudy Gobert for missing a crucial game, you can be sure that the Minnesota Timberwolves roster was supportive of the three-time Defensive Player of the Year’s decision.
According to USAToday, Mike Conley was in a similar predicament back during the pandemic. Conley, who was in the bubble at the time, left quarantine and went to the hospital to be with his wife for the birth of his child.
His head coach at the time, Quinn Snyder, displayed immense support for Conley and wished he took as much time as he needed away from the team. So, you can expect Rudy Gobert to receive the same treatment from his peers.
