Rudy Gobert's Limited Minutes Raise Eyebrows in France's Olympic Victory
In a surprising turn of events, NBA star Rudy Gobert played just three minutes in the quarterfinal matchup against Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Gobert, who cited a finger injury as the primary reason for his limited playing time, was a notable absence from the starting lineup. French coach Vincent Collet attributed the decision to both strategic matchup considerations and Gobert's injury.
Gobert's usual prominence on the French squad made his reduced role all the more striking. Coach Collet opted to start the towering Victor Wembanyama at center and Guerschon Yabusele at power forward. Additionally, Isaia Cordinier took over Evan Fournier’s starting position for defensive purposes. The changes proved effective, as Yabusele and Cordinier combined for an impressive 42 points in the game.
A Strategic Shake-Up
Collet provided insight into his tactical decisions post-game. "They play small ball. I wanted Wemby to start at five, that's why I put Yabusele at four. The other change was Isaia Cordinier for Evan Fournier because I wanted a defensive starting five." The strategy paid off, as France managed to hand the previously unbeaten Canadian team its first loss, advancing to the semifinals in the process.
Gobert, dealing with a finger injury sustained during practice that required surgery before the game, acknowledged the multifaceted reasons for his limited time on the court. "I have confidence in my teammates, the coaches. The plan worked, given how we started the match. There were several reasons why I didn't play, between the matchups but also what can happen in training, with the injuries. It was a good decision in any case. I was on the operating table last night. To be able to play in an Olympic quarterfinal, it was incredible."
Performance Under Pressure
Victor Wembanyama, although not a high scorer in this game with seven points, fulfilled the pivotal role Collet envisioned for him. The shift in lineup allowed France to capitalize on their depth and tactical versatility, vital to overcoming a formidable Canadian team that had shown no signs of vulnerability until this encounter.
Commenting on Gobert's fitness and the rationale behind keeping him on the bench for most of the game, Collet remarked, "Not only. It's the main one. He's a good player. I know he has pain in his finger despite the surgeon saying he could play. He didn't know exactly, but finally, this morning, he said, 'I can play.' My idea was to protect him if I could do it. As it was working well with the other big men, I preferred to keep him on the bench. He will be ready for the next game."
This decision underscored Collet's willingness to adapt and prioritize the team's long-term success over immediate gains. Gobert's intention to make a full comeback for the semifinal game further accentuates France's depth and resilience.
Looking Ahead to Germany
With their victory over Canada, France now sets its sights on a semifinal match against Germany. The question remains whether Gobert will regain his starting position. The French squad, however, demonstrated that they possess the tactical flexibility and depth to adapt to any challenges thrown their way. According to Collet, these attributes were crucial in their triumph over Canada.
NBA star Draymond Green's comment on the situation highlights its uniqueness: "To be taken out of the lineup on any other team in the Olympics as an NBA player not named Team USA is kind of crazy." The remark encapsulates the unexpected nature of Gobert's benching, given his stature in the NBA and his usual role as a cornerstone of the French team.
As France prepares for their next challenge, the team's resilience and strategic prowess will be put to the test once again. Gobert is expected to be ready, but whether he starts remains a tactical decision that Coach Collet will need to make based on the dynamic needs of the game against a tough German squad. With the French team eyeing Olympic glory, their capacity for adaptation and depth will remain their greatest assets.