Rudy Gobert, Julia Bonilla and Gilbert Arenas (Image Source: Getty Images, IG/Julia Bonilla)
Gilbert Arenas felt it was finally time to apologize to Minnesota Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert for harshly criticizing him during the birth of his child. He preferred to stay with his wife than appear with the team for the crucial Game 2 of the playoff semifinal series against the Nuggets. However, his statement was far from apologetic.
“Rudy Gobert, I apologise to you and your family, to your new born and the mother of the child. You did right by staying home and missing that game.” Taking a dig at the Wolves center for his not-so-impressive performance, Arenas added, “I was wrong, I thought you was needed. They didn’t need you, your family needed you. Cause the defense you playing out here is probably the same s**t you was doing in that hospital, sitting around.”
Continuing his apology in a sarcastic tone, the former Magic guard stated, “So I apologize, for putting that kind of responsibility on you. Delivering babies, then going to play at basketball games, cause, unfortunately, this is not your sport.”
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The former guard referred to his previous remark on Gobert in his “Gil’s Arenas” podcast, in which he bashed the four-time DPOY by saying that his kid was going to stay even after the game, emphasizing the importance of the game.
That wasn’t it for Gobert; apart from Arenas, Kendrick Perkins made a bold statement on the French center.
Kendrick Perkins Regrets His Decision With Rudy Gobert
Despite being praised for his remarkable performance in the 2023-2024 regular season, Rudy Gobert was scrutinized for his disappointing performance in the playoffs. Among his many critics is former NBA player Kendrick Perkins.
On ESPN’s First Take, the Celtics star turned analyst confessed, “Me voting this season for Rudy Gobert is an embarrassment for me for Defensive Player of the Year.”
Calling him a “defensive liability,” Perkins pointed out that Gobert was not only unable to execute his responsibilities against the Nuggets in the semis but also had minimal blocks against the Mavericks in the Conference Finals series. On seeing such a lackluster performance from the 31-year-old, Perkins regretted voting for him.
From averaging 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in 76 regular season games, Gobert’s numbers dropped to 12.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and a block per game in the playoffs. Even when the T’Wolves’ season is officially over, the 7-foot-1 center can’t sigh a breath of relief with critics lashing out at him every now and then.
