History of Rudy Gobert in Timeline

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Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert-Bourgarel is a French professional basketball player currently playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2013, Gobert also plays for the French national team. Known as "the Stifle Tower," he is a 7'1" center renowned for his exceptional defensive abilities, considered among the best in basketball history.

1985: Father Plays College Basketball

In 1985, Rudy Gobert's father, Rudy Bourgarel, started playing college basketball in the United States for the Marist Red Foxes.

1988: Father Concludes College Basketball

In 1988, Rudy Gobert's father, Rudy Bourgarel, concluded playing college basketball in the United States for the Marist Red Foxes.

1989: All Defensive First Team Recognitions

In 1989, Mark Eaton won the All Defensive First Team Recognitions.

June 26, 1992: Rudy Gobert Born

On June 26, 1992, Rudy Gobert-Bourgarel was born. He is a French professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

2003: Started playing basketball

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

2007: Joined Cholet Basket's cadet categories training center

In 2007, Rudy Gobert joined Cholet Basket's cadet categories training center.

2009: Played for Cholet Basket Junior Team

From 2009 to 2011, Rudy Gobert mostly 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, where he finished as the team's best scorer and rebounder.

2010: First Postseason Victory

In 2010, Rudy Gobert's Utah Jazz earned the franchise's first postseason victory since 2010, closing out the first-round series 4-3 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

2010: Cholet Basket Debut

In the 2010-11 season, Rudy Gobert mostly played for the Cholet Basket junior team, managing just one game for the senior team.

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 in 13 minutes against Pau-Lacq-Orthez.

2011: Gobert wins bronze medal at FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship

In 2011, Rudy Gobert won the bronze medal at the FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship, marking an early achievement in his international basketball career.

2012: Gobert wins silver medal and All-Tournament team selection at FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship

In 2012, Rudy Gobert secured the silver medal at the FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship. Additionally, he was honored with a selection to the All-Tournament team, alongside fellow countryman Léo Westermann, recognizing his exceptional performance.

2012: Gobert helps French national team prepare for Summer Olympics

In 2012, Rudy Gobert was called upon by head coach Vincent Collet to assist the senior French national team in preparing for the 2012 Summer Olympics tournament, where he played two friendly games.

2012: Averaged 4.2 Points for Cholet

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

June 27, 2013: Selected in the NBA draft

On June 27, 2013, Rudy Gobert was selected with the 27th overall pick by the Denver Nuggets and later traded to the Utah Jazz. He then signed his rookie scale contract with the Jazz and joined them for the 2013 NBA Summer League.

2013: Declared for the NBA draft

In 2013, Rudy Gobert declared for the NBA draft and set NBA Draft Combine records for wingspan and standing reach, earning him the nickname "The Stifle Tower".

2013: Acquired by the Utah Jazz

In 2013, Rudy Gobert was acquired by the Utah Jazz during the NBA draft.

2013: Played Sparingly for the Jazz

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

July 2014: Re-joined the Jazz for NBA 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 Jazz exercised their third-year team option on Rudy Gobert's rookie scale contract, extending the contract through the 2015–16 season.

2014: Gobert wins bronze medal at FIBA World Cup

In 2014, Rudy Gobert was part of the French national team that won the bronze medal at the FIBA World Cup, where he averaged 4.1 points per game, contributing to the team's success on the international stage.

January 9, 2015: Recorded Career-High in Blocked Shots

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

April 2015: Scored a Career-High 20 Points

In April 2015, Rudy Gobert twice scored a career-high 20 points, and finished the 2014-15 season with 25 double-doubles. He went on to finish third in the NBA Most Improved Player Award voting.

October 17, 2015: Jazz Exercised Fourth-Year Option

On October 17, 2015, the Jazz exercised their fourth-year team option on Rudy Gobert's rookie scale contract, extending the contract through the 2016–17 season.

December 2, 2015: Ruled Out with Sprained MCL

On December 2, 2015, Rudy Gobert was ruled out indefinitely after sustaining a sprained left MCL.

2015: Gobert helps France to bronze at EuroBasket 2015

In 2015, Rudy Gobert helped France secure a bronze medal at the EuroBasket 2015 tournament, where he averaged 10.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks. He also received All-European Championships Second Team distinction from Eurobasket.com.

January 7, 2016: Returned to Action After Injury

On January 7, 2016, Rudy Gobert returned to action against the Houston Rockets after missing 18 games with a sprained left MCL. He was limited to just 15 minutes but chipped in six points and three rebounds.

October 31, 2016: Signed Contract Extension with Jazz

On October 31, 2016, Rudy Gobert signed a four-year, $102 million contract extension with the Jazz.

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: NBA Blocks Leader

In 2016, Rudy Gobert became the NBA blocks leader.

2016: Gobert participates in the 2016 Olympic Games

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

January 10, 2017: Franchise-Best 25th Game with 10-Plus 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 of 27 Points and 25 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.

November 12, 2017: Ruled Out with Bone Bruise

On November 12, 2017, Rudy Gobert was ruled out for four-to-six weeks with a bone bruise in his right knee.

2017: All-NBA Second Team

In 2017, Rudy Gobert was named to the All-NBA Second Team.

March 2, 2018: Scored Season-High 26 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.

May 2018: Named to NBA All-Defensive First Team

In May 2018, Rudy Gobert was named in the NBA All-Defensive First Team, becoming the third Jazz player ever to earn multiple All-Defensive First Team recognitions.

December 25, 2018: Recorded Season-High Seven 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 Eight Assists

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

2019: Gobert wins bronze medal at the 2019 FIBA World Cup

In 2019, Rudy Gobert secured a bronze medal with France at the FIBA World Cup, where he averaged 10.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game, showcasing his all-around contribution to the team.

2019: All-NBA Third Team

In 2019, Rudy Gobert was named to the All-NBA Third Team.

2019: Won Alain Gilles Trophy

In 2019, Rudy Gobert won the Alain Gilles Trophy as the French player of the year, becoming the 10th multi time winner of the award.

2019: NBA Postponement

In 2019, the NBA postponed the season after some Utah Jazz teammates of Gobert's, tested positive for COVID-19.

January 30, 2020: Named Western Conference Reserve for NBA All-Star Game

On January 30, 2020, Rudy Gobert, alongside teammate Donovan Mitchell, was named a Western Conference reserve for the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.

March 11, 2020: Gobert tests positive for COVID-19, NBA season suspended

On March 11, 2020, a game between the Utah Jazz and the Oklahoma City Thunder was postponed after Rudy Gobert tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, the NBA suspended the season indefinitely. Gobert's positive test on March 11, 2020, marked a significant moment in the early stages of the pandemic's impact on sports.

March 2020: Tested positive for COVID-19

In March 2020, Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first NBA player with a confirmed case of the virus.

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. This extension was the third-largest contract in NBA history at the time, and the largest ever for a center.

2020: All-NBA Third Team

In 2020, Rudy Gobert was named to the All-NBA Third Team.

2020: Gobert guides France to silver at the Tokyo Olympic Games

In the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Rudy Gobert played a crucial role in guiding France to a silver medal, starting each game and averaging 12.2 points and 9.3 rebounds, demonstrating his impact on the team's success.

February 23, 2021: Gobert named Western Conference All-Star reserve

On February 23, 2021, Rudy Gobert was named a Western Conference reserve for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, marking his second consecutive All-Star selection alongside teammate Donovan Mitchell.

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. This achievement made him the fourth player in NBA history to win the award three or more times, and marked the first time in NBA history where four consecutive defensive player of the year awards had been won by international players.

2021: NBA Rebounding Leader

In 2021, Rudy Gobert became the NBA rebounding leader.

2021: All-NBA Third Team

In 2021, Rudy Gobert was named to the All-NBA Third Team.

February 3, 2022: Gobert named reserve for 2022 NBA All-Star Game

On February 3, 2022, Rudy Gobert was named a reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, adding to his accolades and solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top players.

July 6, 2022: Gobert traded to Minnesota Timberwolves

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

2022: Gobert leads France to silver at EuroBasket 2022

In 2022, Rudy Gobert led France to a silver medal at the EuroBasket 2022, averaging 12.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks during the tournament. He was also selected to the All-Tournament Team.

January 6, 2023: Gobert records 25 points and 21 rebounds against Clippers

On January 6, 2023, Rudy Gobert logged 25 points and 21 rebounds on 11-of-15 shooting from the field in a 128–115 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, showcasing his dominance in the paint for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

November 14, 2023: Gobert involved in altercation during Warriors game

On November 14, 2023, Rudy Gobert was involved in an altercation during a game against the Golden State Warriors. While trying to separate Klay Thompson and Jaden McDaniels during a team brawl, Draymond Green put Gobert into a chokehold, leading to Green's ejection from the game.

February 21, 2024: Gobert announces he is expecting a child

On February 21, 2024, Rudy Gobert announced on an Instagram post that he was expecting a child with Julia Bonilla, marking a significant personal milestone.

May 7, 2024: Gobert misses playoff game due to birth of his child

On May 7, 2024, Rudy Gobert missed a significant playoff game against the Denver Nuggets due to the birth of his child. Despite his absence, the Timberwolves secured a 2–0 series lead.

October 23, 2024: Gobert signs contract extension with Timberwolves

On October 23, 2024, Rudy Gobert signed a three-year, $110 million contract extension with the Timberwolves, securing his future with the team.

2024: Gobert wins silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris

In the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Rudy Gobert won a silver medal with France, where he averaged 3.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, marking another accomplishment in his international basketball career.

April 30, 2025: Gobert records playoff career highs in Game 5 against Lakers

On April 30, 2025, in Game 5 of the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers, Rudy Gobert recorded a double-double of 27 points and 24 rebounds, both playoff career highs, contributing to a 103–96 victory. This helped the Timberwolves win playoff rounds in consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history.