NBA: The funny exchange between Wembanyama and Gobert

Rudy Gobert Shares Funny Exchange with Victor Wembanyama

Thibaut Simon, Media365: published on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 5:52 pm

Opponent of Victor Wembanyama in the Western Conference semi-finals, Rudy Gobert shared an anecdote about his teammate on the French national team.

Winning their first round of the 2025-2026 playoffs, San Antonio will start their series against Minnesota (who defeated the Nuggets of Nikola Jokic) in the Western Conference semi-finals this Tuesday, June 5 (the first game at the Spurs at 3:30 am French time). This sets the stage for a 100% French duel between Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama. While the former appears more experienced, the latter is in the running for the MVP title, already awarded the best defender of the year award (unanimously), succeeding the Wolves pivot. As teammates on the French team, both men will be aiming for a conference final; the third in a row for Gobert and the very first for Wemby.

Before this showdown, the Minnesota player shared a nice anecdote about his teammate on the French national team. A surprising question for Rudy, but demonstrating the professionalism of the phenomenon Wembanyama. “A few weeks ago, he asked me what kind of water filter I had at home… It says a lot about his mentality. He’s 22, but he’s already taking care of his health.”

Gobert, an example for Wembanyama

In the regular season, the Timberwolves have the advantage in the matchup. Two wins and one loss for Rudy Gobert’s teammates. But the last game at the Frost Bank Center favored the Spurs (126-123) with an epic showdown between Wembanyama and Edwards: 39 points and 9 rebounds for the Frenchman against the 55 points from the Minnesota guard. The Spurs’ pivot had mentioned Gobert’s influence upon his arrival in the NBA. An inspiration for Wemby. “He takes great care of his body, all big men should look up to him,” he explained at a press conference.

At almost 34 years old, the Guadeloupean arrives with a wealth of experience to face Wemby. Seen as a role model, Gobert will try to bring his influence to this highly anticipated matchup. “I try to advise the young guys here on their nutrition, but they never ask me these kinds of questions. Anthony Edwards? He’s never asked me those things. Not yet. I pray for that day to come,” Gobert concluded on Wembanyama’s surprising question.