Career Timeline of Rudy Gobert: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Rudy Gobert built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Rudy Gobert-Bourgarel, a French professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, is renowned for his defensive prowess. Previously with the Utah Jazz, Gobert, standing at 7'1" with a 7'9" wingspan, plays center. Nicknamed "the Stifle Tower," he is considered one of the best defensive players in NBA history. Gobert also represents France in international competitions.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2003: Started Playing Basketball

In 2003, Rudy Gobert started his basketball journey by playing for the JSC St-Quentin club.

2007: Joined Cholet Basket

In 2007, Rudy Gobert joined Cholet Basket's cadet categories training center, furthering his basketball development.

2009: Played for Cholet Basket Junior Team

From 2009 to 2011, Rudy Gobert primarily played for the Cholet Basket junior team.

2010: Played for Cholet Basket Junior Team

From 2009 to 2011, Rudy Gobert primarily played for the Cholet Basket junior team.

2010: FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship

In 2010, Rudy Gobert participated in the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship with the French under-18 national team, showcasing his skills on an international stage.

2010: Franchise's First Postseason Victory

The Jazz earned the franchise's first postseason victory since 2010.

May 10, 2011: First Game for Senior Team

On May 10, 2011, Rudy Gobert played his first game for the Cholet Basket senior team, recording 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block against Pau-Lacq-Orthez.

2012: Averaged 4.2 Points for Cholet

In 2011-12, Rudy Gobert averaged 4.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in 29 games for Cholet Basket.

2012: Gobert Plays for French National Team

In 2012, Rudy Gobert was called by head coach Vincent Collet to help the senior French national team prepare for the 2012 Summer Olympics tournament. He played two friendly games, scoring 8 points.

June 27, 2013: Drafted by Denver Nuggets, Traded to Utah Jazz

On June 27, 2013, Rudy Gobert was selected by the Denver Nuggets and subsequently traded to the Utah Jazz on draft night.

2013: Declared for NBA Draft

In 2013, Rudy Gobert declared for the NBA draft and set NBA Draft Combine records for wingspan and standing reach.

2013: Acquired by Utah Jazz

In 2013, Rudy Gobert was acquired by the Utah Jazz during the NBA draft, marking a significant step in his professional basketball career.

2013: Played Sparingly for the Jazz

In 2013-14, Rudy Gobert played sparingly for the Utah Jazz, appearing in 45 of the team's 82 regular-season games.

July 2014: Re-joined Jazz for Summer League

In July 2014, Rudy Gobert re-joined the Utah Jazz for the 2014 NBA Summer League.

October 24, 2014: Jazz Exercised Team Option

On October 24, 2014, the Utah Jazz exercised their third-year team option on Rudy Gobert's rookie scale contract, extending it through the 2015-16 season.

January 9, 2015: Recorded Career-High Blocks

On January 9, 2015, Rudy Gobert recorded a career-high seven blocked shots in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

April 2015: Twice Scored Career-High 20 Points

In April 2015, Rudy Gobert twice scored a career-high 20 points, showcasing his offensive improvement.

October 17, 2015: Jazz Exercised Fourth-Year Option

On October 17, 2015, the Utah Jazz exercised their fourth-year team option on Rudy Gobert's rookie scale contract.

October 31, 2016: Signed Contract Extension with the Jazz

On October 31, 2016, Rudy Gobert signed a four-year, $102 million contract extension with the Jazz, becoming the best-paid French athlete at the time in terms of annual salary.

December 6, 2016: Scored Career-High 22 Points

On December 6, 2016, Rudy Gobert scored a career-high 22 points in a 112–105 win over the Phoenix Suns.

2016: Gobert Plays at Rio Olympic Games

In 2016, at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Rudy Gobert played in five games for France, tallying 5.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game.

January 10, 2017: 25th Consecutive Game with 10+ Rebounds

On January 10, 2017, in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Rudy Gobert posted his franchise-best 25th consecutive game with 10-plus rebounds (14).

January 20, 2017: Recorded Career Highs in Points and Rebounds

On January 20, 2017, Rudy Gobert recorded career highs of 27 points and 25 rebounds in a 112–107 overtime win over the Dallas Mavericks.

March 2, 2018: Scored Season-High Points

On March 2, 2018, Rudy Gobert scored a season-high 26 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in a 116–108 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

December 25, 2018: Recorded Season-High Blocks

On December 25, 2018, Rudy Gobert recorded a season-high seven blocks in a 117–96 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

January 12, 2019: Career-High Assists

On January 12, 2019, Rudy Gobert achieved a career-high eight assists in a 110–102 win over the Chicago Bulls.

2019: Gobert's Season Averages

Through his first 45 games in the 2019–20 season, Gobert averaged 15.7 points and 14.6 rebounds per game and had become an anchor for the Jazz on offense as well as defense.

December 20, 2020: Gobert signs $205 million contract extension with the Jazz

On December 20, 2020, Rudy Gobert signed a five-year, $205 million contract extension with the Utah Jazz, making it the third largest contract in NBA history and the largest ever for a center at the time.

June 9, 2021: Gobert Named NBA Defensive Player of the Year

On June 9, 2021, Rudy Gobert was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the third time in four years. He is the fourth player in NBA history to win the award three or more times. Gobert's win marked the first time in NBA history where four consecutive defensive player of the year awards had been won by international players.

July 6, 2022: Gobert Traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves

On July 6, 2022, Rudy Gobert was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Patrick Beverley, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, the draft rights to center Walker Kessler, four first-round picks, and a 2026 first-round pick swap.