The FIBA World Cup got off to a terrible start for the French national team, especially for Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert.
The former Defensive Player of the Year was a liability for his team, scoring just eight points on 4/9 shooting to go along with four turnovers and a -17 in the plus-minus category.
Needless to say, given his unpopular reputation around the league, the fans took to NBACentral’s tweet about his performance with plenty of jokes.
Same Gobert they have on the same tier as Bam? ?
— ???? ?????? (@HeatvsHaters) August 25, 2023
Outplayed by Kelly Olynyk ?
— Swoops (@PlaySwoops) August 25, 2023
LMAO this guy stinks
— ?⭑? ? (@wixkstars) August 25, 2023
This man going to fall off fast!
I think @utahjazz won the trade with @Timberwolves— $DGKAcid (@DGKAcid) August 25, 2023
Gobert isn’t exactly the most beloved player in the league.
It all started with that big contract he signed, and his antics with COVID-19 only made things worse.
There have been reports about some players not liking him either, with Draymond Green and Shaquille O’Neal making fun of him in public, among others.
Also, the fact that the Timberwolves gave up so much to get him made the fans consider him one of the most overrated players in the game, especially considering how much he’s struggled in the playoffs.
Whatever the case, Gobert is still one of the best interior defenders and shot blockers in recent NBA history, and he’s not to blame for the kind of value his teams have given him over the years.
He’ll have plenty of weight on his shoulders to bounce back and lead his team, especially with no Victor Wembanyama this time.
As for Canada, it’s not surprising to see a team with that much talent beat France, although that lopsided 95-65 final score was a bit of a shocker.
NEXT: Fans React To Karl-Anthony Towns' Impressive FIBA World Cup Debut
