Rudy Gobert will go up against his fellow Frenchman Victor Wembanyama in the Western Conference Semifinals. The two have a strong relationship, and Gobert is more aware than most just how dedicated Wembanyama is to his craft.
Gobert was asked Saturday what surprised him about Wembanyama when the two were Olympic teammates in 2024. Gobert was not necessarily surprised by anything, but he did share an anecdote about how he realized Wembanyama was different than most young players.
“A few weeks ago he asked me what kind of filter I have in my house for water,” Gobert said. “It just tells you how his mind is. I try to talk to the young guys here about the food they eat and stuff like that, but I don’t get those kinds of questions.”
Asked Rudy Gobert what surprised him about Victor Wembanyama when they were teammates during the Olympics.
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) May 2, 2026
"A few weeks ago he asked me what kind of filter I had in my house for water. It just tells you how his mind is. I try to talk to the young guys here about the food they… pic.twitter.com/FBzmD7x0kV
If there was any doubt about Wembanyama’s commitment, one need only remember his series of sidequests last offseason. He is completely committed to constantly improving both physically and mentally, which should make the rest of the league shudder considering how good he already is.
Wembanyama is fresh off an outstanding showing in the first round against the Portland Trail Blazers, a series he dismissed as not too difficult. The Timberwolves should provide a stiffer test, but Gobert knows to expect Wemby’s best.
