Rudy Gobert, a cornerstone for the French national basketball team, found himself in an unusual spot during the 2024 Paris Olympics quarterfinal game against Canada. Gobert, known for his defensive prowess and NBA acclaim, played only three minutes. This rare absence from the court drew attention and speculation.
Injury Woes and Strategic Decisions
Gobert's limited playing time was attributed to a finger injury he sustained in practice, which required surgery. Although cleared to play, Coach Vincent Collet opted for a different strategy. "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," Gobert explained. "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."
Coach Collet's tactical adjustments were on full display as he decided to start Victor Wembanyama at center and Guerschon Yabusele at power forward. Isaia Cordinier replaced Evan Fournier in the lineup for defensive purposes. Collet elaborated, "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."
Breaking Down the Game
The bold lineup changes paid off. Yabusele and Cordinier combined for 42 points, providing the offensive spark needed to upend the previously unbeaten Canadian team. Despite his limited role, Gobert's spirit remained high as he supported his teammates from the bench. "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," Collet stated.
Wembanyama, in his elevated role, finished with seven points. While these numbers might not leap off the stat sheet, his presence contributed to the altered defensive dynamics that benefitted France. The victory propelled France into the semifinals, where they will face Germany.
A Glimpse Ahead
With Germany looming on the horizon, speculation swirls around Gobert's status for the forthcoming clash. Draymond Green, an NBA peer, remarked, "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." Whether Gobert will reclaim his starting spot remains to be seen, but his readiness for the game against Germany is not in question.
The French team showcased not only their depth but also tactical flexibility, critical elements in their quest for Olympic glory. Coach Collet's willingness to make unorthodox choices, such as sidelining a star player like Gobert for strategic reasons, underscores a broader philosophy. France aims to navigate each opponent with resilience and strategic adaptation, leveraging every available asset—be it a seasoned NBA stalwart or a rising star like Wembanyama.
Gobert intends to make a full comeback for the semifinal game, and his return could add a formidable edge to an already versatile French squad. Their recent victory underscored a collective capacity to adapt and thrive, setting the stage for a compelling semifinal encounter.