Rudy Gobert made some history. Victor Wembanyama nearly did.
Gobert, the Minnesota center, was announced Tuesday as the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year for a record-tying fourth time — joining Basketball Hall of Fame inductees Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace.
It was the fifth time in the last 11 seasons that a French center won defensive player of the year — and it sure seems like Wembanyama will add to that country’s total before long. The San Antonio rookie center, announced Monday as the league’s Rookie of the Year, was second in the voting and fell one spot short of being the first player to win the DPOY trophy in Year 1 of his NBA career.
Viva la France, indeed. Joakim Noah became the first Frenchman to win DPOY when he was the overwhelming choice in 2014, and Gobert now has the trophies for 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2024.
“It’s great teamwork,” Gobert, the best defender on a Timberwolves team that had the best defense in the NBA this season, said on TNT during the award’s announcement. “We love to get individual awards and all these things, and it’s great but you can’t do it alone.”
Prince Harry celebrates Invictus Games in London but won't see his father, King Charles III
Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews out for potential elimination matchup with Bruins
Police in Georgia use tear gas, water cannons to disperse protest against so
Horoscope today: Daily guide to what the stars have in store for YOU
Former Chinese bank official stands trial for bribery
How to be a 'Fall Guy': Stunt performers on their rough
Eric Church DOUBLES DOWN on Stagecoach gospel headlining set
Eric Church DOUBLES DOWN on Stagecoach gospel headlining set
Emily Ratajkowski leaves NOTHING to the imagination as she goes underwear
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch to have surgery on knee after sideline collision, AP source says
Chinese satellite detects over 100 solar white
Namestnikov and Dillon out for Game 5 against Avs due to injuries as Jets face playoff elimination