Rudy Gobert's FIBA Showing Reveals Jazz Made Right Call

The Utah Jazz trade last year with the Minnesota Timberwolves could be one for the history books.

It appears the Utah Jazz may have gotten out from under Rudy Gobert’s contract in just a nick of time.

On Friday, France fell to the hands of Canada in a 95-65 blowout in its first game in the FIBA World Cup. Although it’s just one game, Gobert looked like a shell of the player who won the Defensive Player of the Year three times for the Jazz. 

The ex-Jazzman finished the game with eight points while hauling in nine rebounds in 27 minutes of action, but it was on the defensive where Gobert underwhelmed. 

Canada finished the game shooting 56.7 % from inside the three-point line and had its  way of getting clean looks in the paint despite Gobert's efforts to protect the rim. The 7-foot-1 big man finished the contest with one blocked shot. 

Indonesia is boing Dillon Brooks every time he touches the ball. He answers early by dunking on Rudy Gobert.

Brooks Dunk Count- 2. We're less then four minutes into the game. I love FIBApic.twitter.com/kHW4uXDik3

— Ben Bosscher (@BosscherBen) August 25, 2023

Despite the rough start in the FIBA, Gobert did take ownership of his lackluster performance against Canada.

"We all know what we need to do better individually,” Gobert told BeBasket.fr. “I was non-existent. I might be a little hard on myself saying this, but I know I didn't impact the game the way I should have. We know that Sunday's game against Latvia will be a must-win one. We are aware that our backs are against the wall. It's up to us to change our mindset."

Salt Lake Tribune Jazz beat writer Andy Larsen took note of Gobert’s apparent decline after the 30-point defeat.

“And I think it’s pretty clear that 20-21 Rudy was better defensively than 21-22 Rudy, who was way way better than 22-23 Rudy,” Larsen tweeted. “But that happens when guys get past peak age of 28/29… empirically, most start to decline.”

And I think it’s pretty clear that 20-21 Rudy was better defensively than 21-22 Rudy, who was way way better than 22-23 Rudy.

But that happens when guys get past peak age of 28/29… empirically, most start to decline https://t.co/cI8mQQ7teH

— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) August 25, 2023

Gobert’s stat line in his first year with the Minnesota Timberwolves points to a big decline in the making. Taking his rookie year out of the equation, Gobert posted a career low in blocked shots (1.7) and regressed in points, rebounds, and field goal percentage from the numbers in his last year in Salt Lake City. 

This doesn’t bode well for the job security of Timberwolves GM Tim Connelly, with Gobert having three years and a guaranteed $131 million left on his deal. The trade last summer has the potential to be one of the most lopsided exchanges in NBA history. 

The Jazz have already netted Walker Kessler and Keyonte George in the deal, but they may just be getting started. Utah has yet to cash in three first-rounders and a pick swap, although these assets could be used to help bring an All-Star talent to Utah.

Gobert will get a shot to get France back on track against Latvia on Sunday.

---

Follow Inside The Jazz on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe on YouTube for breaking Jazz news videos and live-stream