Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves has clinched the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year accolade for the fourth time, matching the records of Hall of Fame centers Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace.
Gobert, a dominant force in the league, secured 72 first-place votes and amassed 433 points from a distinguished panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.
The standout center’s season statistics underscore his prowess, with averages of 2.1 blocks per game, 14 points, and an impressive 12.9 rebounds across 76 games. This marked Gobert’s ninth consecutive season maintaining a double-double performance.
In his acceptance speech, Gobert expressed gratitude to Timberwolves management and teammates for their unwavering support, highlighting their collective effort in fostering a defensive-oriented culture within the team.
The Timberwolves’ defensive prowess this season was undeniable, leading the league in points allowed per game (106.5) and field goal percentage allowed (45 percent), while ranking in the top five for blocks (4.5) and rebounds (41.4).
Gobert, a three-time All-Star, previously clinched the Defensive Player of the Year award three times with the Utah Jazz (2018, 2019, 2021). His consistency and impact on the court have solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier defensive talents.
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, crowned NBA Rookie of the Year, emerged as the runner-up in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. The talented rookie, selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, led the league in blocks per game (3.6) and demonstrated versatility with an average of 1.2 steals per game.
