Rudy Gobert broke down in frustration when discussing how he was snubbed from the All-Star Game, adding that he felt disrespected.
“I was surprised. Obviously, we all know how the league works, the direction the league is heading to. I thought there was a chance I might make it. I was surprised. I think it’s disrespectful — I feel disrespected. It’s disrespectful not only towards me, but towards the team, towards the organization, and towards the game,” said Gobert.
Gobert is averaging 15 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, while leading the league in win shares.
Gobert also misses out on a $1 million bonus for making the All-Star Game.
He felt the league was sending the wrong message by overlooking his defense.
“All the coaches preach about defense, every day they talk about defense, about what an honor it is to get stops, to win basketball games. And when it’s time to vote, they they’re not able to reward the best defensive player in the game. A lot of kids that are watching — you’re telling them that defense doesn’t matter, that winning doesn’t matter. I don’t think it’s great for the future of the league. Defense doesn’t sell as much as offense, it’s a business. It’s fine. But the game is still about competition, it’s about winning, and even though it’s a business, you still gotta keep that."