Rudy Gobert Praises Victor Wembanyama's Superstar Rise

The Minnesota Timberwolves center is 'really proud' of his French compatriot's breakout NBA season with the San Antonio Spurs.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:18am

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Outside the San Antonio Spurs, no one is even happier about the current success and superstar rise of Victor Wembanyama in the NBA than Rudy Gobert. The Minnesota Timberwolves center offered high praise about the massive leap that Wembanyama has taken this year, saying he's 'having an amazing year' and that he's 'really proud' of the young star. Gobert, who has served as a mentor to Wembanyama, is excited about the prospect of potentially facing off against him in the playoffs.

Why it matters

Wembanyama is already fulfilling the lofty expectations placed on him as a generational talent, leading the Spurs to a strong 48-18 record and second place in the Western Conference. Gobert's praise and mentorship of the 7-foot-3 'unicorn' highlights the close relationship between the two French stars and the pride Gobert feels in seeing Wembanyama's rapid rise to stardom.

The details

Wembanyama is averaging 24.2 points, 11.1 rebounds and a league-high 3.0 blocks per game this season, establishing himself as a dominant two-way force. Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, is in the running for the award again this year along with Wembanyama. The veteran center says 'may the best win' but is ultimately just happy to see his mentee's progress, stating that 'a lot of this goes beyond basketball' in terms of their relationship.

  • Wembanyama is having an amazing year so far in the 2025-26 NBA season.

The players

Rudy Gobert

A four-time Defensive Player of the Year and center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who has served as a mentor to Victor Wembanyama.

Victor Wembanyama

A 7-foot-3 'unicorn' and rising superstar for the San Antonio Spurs, who is averaging 24.2 points, 11.1 rebounds and a league-high 3.0 blocks per game this season.

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What they’re saying

“He's been getting better and better. He's having an amazing year, collectively and individually. He's getting a lot of blocks. He's been amazing to watch. I'm really proud of him.”

— Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves Center (Responsible Gaming)

“Every year, the work that he has been putting in has been paying off. I know how hard he works. I know how disciplined he is and how much he loves the game. He plays the game with a winning mindset. I love that. Hopefully we get to face each other in the playoffs. That would be a fun challenge.”

— Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves Center (Responsible Gaming)

“May the best win. There are still a lot of games left. So may the best win. Regardless of anything, I'm really proud of him. I'm really proud of him.”

— Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves Center (Responsible Gaming)

“I've been there for him as a mentor. I try to help him in any way I can. A lot of this goes beyond basketball. Basketball is the easiest part.”

— Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves Center (Responsible Gaming)

What’s next

If the Timberwolves and Spurs meet in the playoffs, it would set up an exciting matchup between Gobert and Wembanyama, the two French stars who have developed a close mentorship relationship.

The takeaway

Gobert's glowing praise for Wembanyama's rapid rise to superstardom highlights the special bond between the two French players, with the veteran center serving as a mentor and taking immense pride in seeing the young phenom fulfill his immense potential in the NBA.