Rudy Gobert’s advice for Alex Sarr
“Step up your game, Robert. Aimé Jaquet’s sentence addressed to Robert Pires in the documentary Eyes in bluesbecame iconic. It could also be a message about Rudy Gobert there is Alec Sarrthe former completely dominated (18 points, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks) the latter (7 points, 3 rebounds, 0 blocks) last night.
In this direct duel between the two Frenchmen, the Wolves veteran thus multiplied great positions on the rebound, showing his power against his compatriot. We even saw him dribble from the 3-point line and dunk! A small message, even if there is no animosity between the two.
“He already has all the talent, all the skills” explained Rudy Gobert to our colleagues at BeBasketasked for advice he could give Alex Sarr. “That’s why I would say now that he needs to work on his body, to get stronger. As a seven-meter (2m13), who is very long, the racket game is very physically strong. That will be key for him. He has to work on recovery, cardio, strength.”
That’s because if Rudy Gobert (2m16) is slightly taller than Alex Sarr (2m13), it’s a weight difference (117 vs. 92 kilograms) that was noticeable during their clash last night.
“Honestly, I didn’t think he would be at this level this early. It’s good to see.”
All of this will help him achieve his goals because I think he can be a great player on both ends of the court. continues Rudy Gobert. “He’s already showing impressive things defensively. Honestly, I didn’t think he’d be at this level this early. It’s good to see.”
Thirteen years separate the two, who now face each other after experiencing very different entrances to the NBA. Drafted 27th overall in the 2013 draft, Rudy Gobert had to work hard to find his place, making up for his technical limitations to become a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year thanks to his mental steel.
“We have very different games and probably entered the league in very different situations” admits Alex Sarrthe second pick of the 2024 vintage and a prototype of a modern interior capable of shooting from afar. “But he’s struggled to become one of the best starting centers and a very, very good player.”
And, despite the criticism, a player still essential to the balance of these Wolves (23-13) capable of the best and the worst. Sure, Minnesota is more efficient offensively when he’s on the bench (121.9 points per 100 possessions vs. 117.2 when he’s on the floor), but Chris Finch’s team goes from No. 2 defense (109.0 points per 100 possessions) to 30th (121.0 points) when the Blues join the staff…
2026-01-05 15:32:00
