Timberwolves Big Man Rudy Gobert Narrowly Makes Another NBA All-Defensive Team
The Minnesota Timberwolves will play game two of the NBA Western Conference Finals on Thursday night, looking to even up their series vs the Oklahoma City Thunder, 1-1. But prior to tonight's NBA Playoff activities, the league has released their 2024-25 NBA All-Defensive Teams.
If you'll remember, not only did Rudy Gobert make All-Defense 1st Team last season, but for the fourth time in his career, he was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Twelve months later, however, the 7-foot Frenchman seems to have fallen (nearly) out of favor amongst All-NBA voters.
Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Yes, Rudy did make his 8th career NBA All-Defensive team… but barely. Instead of landing back on the 1st team, for the seventh time in his Hall of Fame career, Gobert was relegated to the 2nd Team for the first time ever.
Rudy Gobert makes NBA All-Defensive 2nd Team
Not only that, but out of the ten defensive standouts to make out the 1st and 2nd teams, Rudy Gobert landed by far the least amount of 'points', at just 65 — (3) 1st place votes + (59) 2nd place votes.
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Jaden McDaniels, who was named All-Defense 2nd Team in 2024-25, received votes again this year, but not nearly enough (10 points) to make either 1st or 2nd Team. Anthony Edwards also got a few 2nd place votes (3 points).
All-Defense
(1st Team)
1st place
Votes
2nd Place
Votes
Total
Points
Evan Mobley (CLE)
99
1
199
Dyson Daniels (ATL)
91
9
191
Lu Dort (OKC)
81
18
180
Draymond Green (GSW)
81
17
179
Amen Thompson (HOU)
74
23
171
All-Defense
(2nd Team)
1st place
Votes
2nd Place
Votes
Total
Points
Ivica Zubac (LAC)
29
56
114
Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM)
21
65
107
Jalen Williams (OKC)
6
67
79
Toumani Camara (POR)
6
62
74
Rudy Gobert (MIN)
3
59
65
Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Star Anthony Edwards Fined Again
Of course, crybaby Draymond Green climbed back into the All-Defensive 1st Team, after campaigning for himself all year long. Unfortunately for the 2016-17 DPOY, it does not appear as if he will have the backing to win 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year, as that seems destined to land with Cleveland's Evan Mobley.
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