"We can get Draymond " - Former Warriors guard pitches comical offer to Rudy Gobert after T'Wolves star's sparring clip surfaces
A clip of Minnesota Timberwolves star center Rudy Gobert's latest sparring session recently went viral on social media. Afterward, ex-Golden State Warriors shooting guard Nick Young jokingly offered to arrange a fight between Gobert and his longtime rival, Warriors veteran forward Draymond Green.
With training camp only a few weeks away, many players have begun ramping up their preparation for the 2024-25 NBA season. As for Gobert, the longtime boxing enthusiast appears to be doing so at a mixed martial arts gym.
Early Monday, Paris' MMA factory shared footage on X/Twitter of Gobert sparring against former UFC interim heavyweight champion and fellow Frenchman Ciryl Gane. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year appeared locked in during the session, sparking humorous fan reactions.
Despite being one of the NBA's all-time most acclaimed defenders, Gobert is one of its most criticized stars. Many often take shots at the big man's lack of defensive versatility and limited offensive skill set.
Among Gobert's most prominent critics is Green, who has taken countless jabs at the three-time All-Star over the years. Their feud came to a head during their Nov. 14 matchup this past season, with Green putting Gobert in a headlock, garnering a five-game suspension.
Later Monday, Green's former teammate, Young, took to X, comically offering to help the Timberwolves star get revenge against the four-time champion.
"Aye, [Rudy Gobert], I see you boxing," Young said. "... 'We' can wait [until] 'we' play the Warriors. I can help you sneak in the locker room, and we can get Draymond, LOL."
However, Gobert's boxing sessions appear to be part of his regular offseason routine rather than preparation to avenge himself against Green.
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Rudy Gobert once credited boxing for helping improve his NBA defense
While boxing is an atypical form of offseason training for NBA stars, according to Rudy Gobert, his hobby has benefitted his career.
During a 2018 interview with Deseret News, Gobert touched on how his sparring sessions with his trainer Matt Pena helped him hone his defensive skills.
"It's really like he's teaching me to use my reach and how to defend against guys in different ways they will go at me," Gobert said. "The footwork, the skills. So, yeah, it's really great to learn some different stuff."
Gobert is coming off his record-tying fourth DPOY campaign. He also made his first conference finals appearance in his second season with Minnesota after failing to do so over nine years with the Utah Jazz.
Entering Year 12 of his career, Gobert will look to help the Timberwolves take the next step in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
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