Rudy Gobert has surprising response to Draymond Green suspension

Nov 9, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) dribbles the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Rudy Gobert and Draymond Green have never gotten along, which is why Gobert’s response to Green’s latest NBA discipline is somewhat surprising.

The Minnesota Timberwolves center took the high road when asked about Green’s suspension, saying he has “empathy” for the Golden State Warriors forward. Gobert added that he is hopeful Green can get whatever help he needs during the indefinite ban.

“I have empathy for him,” Gobert said, via Tim MacMahon of ESPN. “You see somebody that’s not well inside and suffering. You take away the game and all that, and you want somebody to be well and be able to do what we do every night and compete and be happy.”

Green and Gobert have a long history of antipathy. Earlier this season, Green put the Timberwolves center in a chokehold during an on-court scuffle, which resulted in the Warriors star’s first of two suspensions this season.

Green is now serving an indefinite suspension after he struck Suns center Jusuf Nurkic in the face, with the Warriors vowing to get him help before he is allowed to return to action.