Rudy Gobert on All-Star snub: 'Not the first time I've been disrespected'

Gobert is the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year award this season

After being snubbed for what would have been his fourth All-Star appearance Rudy Gobert says he's "happy" for teammates Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Edwards and Towns were selected as All-Star reserves Thursday night while Gobert was left out of the showcase.

Speaking to media Friday, Gobert said he "didn't even put that much expectation in it."

"Not the first time I've been taken for granted, disrespected about these things," continued Gobert. "I've been in this league for a long time, I know how it works."

Rudy Gobert said he was happy for Ant and KAT being selected to the All-Star game. As for him: “It’s not the first time I’ve been taken for granted or disrespected. … I’m happy at the end of the day I get to get some vacation.”

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) February 2, 2024

Gobert's 3.6 Defensive Win Shares leads the league, KAT is second with a 2.9 DWS. The 31-year-old is considered the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year award. It would be the fourth time he has won the award tying him with Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace for most all-time. He is also averaging a double-double this season scoring 13.4 points and grabbing 12.4 rebounds per game.

Towns said Gobert "deserved" to be named an All-Star.

"This is all possible because of him," said Towns. "Being No. 1 in the West, you need to have a defensive impact. To have the best defensive player in the NBA definitely gave us better odds of making it. It’s all part of the reason we made it was because of him."

Jan 24, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) moves past Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (21) during the first half at Capital One Arena / © Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota currently sit first place in the Western Conference, one game up on the Thunder and two up on the Clippers. If Minnesota win Friday night against the Magic, head coach Chris Finch will be coaching the Western Conference All-Stars.

In the end Gobert is looking at the positives of missing out on the All-Star game.

"I mean, I'm happy – at the end of the day, I get to get some vacation. The best defender in the world, the No. 1 team in the West and the No. 1 defense in the league, and we get to enjoy the beach during the All Star weekend. Might be a blessing, actually," Gobert said.