Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs are preparing to face each other. Gobert has been a mentor to Wembanyama for years, and their relationship involves on-court challenges and off-court intellectual sparring.
A Chessboard on the Court
Gobert challenged Wembanyama to a chess match after the Timberwolves defeated the Spurs in January. Wembanyama responded that he looks forward to another meeting of the minds in the future. Gobert believes he could beat Wembanyama at chess with enough time.
Their upcoming series can be seen as a seven-game chess match. The chessboard features a 3-point line and four 12-minute quarters.
Gobert’s Mentorship of Wembanyama
Gobert said he loves trying to give Wembanyama everything he needs and to answer all his questions. He aims to be the best mentor he can be for Wembanyama.
Gobert has been instrumental in the Timberwolves’ development into a defensive-minded team. Since joining the team in 2022, he has been a key part of their success. The Timberwolves have advanced to the second round for the third straight season and are aiming for their third consecutive Western Conference finals appearance.
Playoff Competition
Wembanyama hosts Gobert and the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the second round of the NBA playoffs on Monday. Nikola Jokić presented an immense test for Gobert in the first round.
Gobert told reporters that they faced a contender in the first round and now face another. He added that as a competitor, that’s what he sacrifices and works for every day, and what he has prepared for since he was 12 years old.
Wembanyama’s first title pursuit in the NBA may go through Gobert.