SALT LAKE CITY – Former Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, recently shared the first photos of his baby boy on social media, marking his debut as a father. Gobert, who welcomed his child in May, accompanied the photos with a heartfelt message.
“Grateful and honored that you chose us to welcome you to this world to experience what we call life,” Gobert wrote. “I make it my mission to love, protect, and keep paving the way for you…you will write your own story, and I can’t wait to witness every step of it.”
Gobert Shares Photos of First Baby
Gobert’s time with the Utah Jazz was marked by significant achievements and personal growth. He played a crucial role in the Jazz’s defensive dominance, earning three NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards during his tenure. His impact was profound, helping the Jazz consistently rank among the league’s top defenses.
In the 2024 season, Gobert transitioned to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he continued to excel. His outstanding performance was instrumental in Minnesota’s run to the Western Conference Finals, where they were eventually ousted by the Dallas Mavericks. On May 7, just one day after his child’s birth, Gobert was named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year for the fourth time, joining the ranks of Hall of Famers Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace.
Gobert led Minnesota to the league’s best defense, allowing only 108.4 points per 100 possessions, outperforming the second-ranked Boston Celtics by two points. During the regular season, he averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. His presence was pivotal in the Timberwolves’ sweep of the star-studded Phoenix Suns in the opening round of the playoffs.
Gobert’s legacy with the Utah Jazz and his continued success in Minnesota underscore his significant impact on the court and his growing influence off it as a new father.