Gobert's Limited Playtime Raises Eyebrows in Thrilling Quarterfinal Win
In a surprising turn of events, French basketball star Rudy Gobert played only three minutes in the quarterfinal game against Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Gobert, often a central figure for the French national team and a prominent NBA player, cited a finger injury as the main reason for his absence from the court.
French coach Vincent Collet provided additional context, highlighting strategic matchup decisions as a contributing factor to Gobert's limited minutes. Collet elected to start Victor Wembanyama at center and Guerschon Yabusele at power forward, a decision motivated by Canada's small ball strategy.
"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," Collet explained. The modified lineup paid off, with Yabusele and Cordinier combining for 42 points in the game.
Gobert's sudden absence from the starting lineup was particularly noticeable given his typical prominence on the team. Despite undergoing finger surgery before the game, he was cleared to participate. However, in the interest of protecting his recovery, he spent most of the game on the bench.
Gobert himself reflected on the situation, expressing faith in the strategy and his teammates. "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."
Indeed, France's tactical versatility and depth were key factors in their victory over a previously unbeaten Canadian team. Vincent Collet emphasized the effectiveness of the lineup adjustments, pointing out that his decision to keep Gobert on the bench was both strategic and a measure to safeguard the player’s health. "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."
Victor Wembanyama, stepping into the center role, finished with seven points, while Isaia Cordinier's inclusion for defensive purposes saw him contributing significantly to the team's overall performance. France's strategic adaptations and readiness to make bold decisions have allowed them to advance to the semifinals.
Draymond Green, a seasoned NBA player, weighed in on Gobert's unexpected benching. "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," he remarked, underscoring the significant nature of the decision.
As France prepares for a semifinal matchup with Germany, there is a sense of anticipation surrounding Gobert's potential return to the starting lineup. Although his status for the semifinal remains uncertain, the team is confident in their ability to adapt and perform under pressure. Gobert intends to make a full comeback, reinforcing France's pursuit of Olympic glory with a blend of resilience and strategic acumen.
France’s victory over Canada serves as a testament to their depth and tactical flexibility, qualities essential for their upcoming challenges. Whether Gobert will regain his starting position in the semifinal remains to be seen, but France aims to leverage their strategic depth to continue their Olympic campaign successfully.