Name: Rudy Gobert
Age: 20 (will be 21 by draft)
Height: 7-foot-1
Position: Center
School/Country: Cholet (France)
Latest Stats: 8.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 0.7 spg
Rudy Gobert will likely be the first international prospect selected in the 2013 NBA Draft and at 7-foot-1, his potential at the professional level here in the United States is worthy of that projection. Gobert’s stats do not necessary jump off the page, but his 8.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game for Cholet in France was based on a 22-minute per game average.
Gobert has a wingspan of 7-feet, 9-inches, so he has the ability to be long and intimidating on the defensive end. Gobert spent the past season with Cholet, which is a member of the French Pro A league, so he is entering the draft field fresh off some solid experience overseas. He was an extra for the French national team prior to the 2012 Olympics, scoring eight points while appearing in two friendly match-ups. Gobert’s potential in the NBA however, is exactly that. He is a budding prospect that will likely hear his name called within the lottery portion of the first round.
Strengths: At 7-foot-1, Gobert has incredible size and although he may still need a few years to develop into what his potential calls for, that plays exactly into his strengths. Gobert uses his size to his advantage and can force players away from the rim. His offensive game is beginning to come around, as he proved this past year when producing given only rotational minutes.
Weaknesses: Gobert does not have the greatest of experience, but he did play at one of the highest levels in France this past year. Gobert will need to fill out his 7-foot-1 frame a bit more, weighing in at only 235 lbs, so his physicality may come into question against more physical NBA athletes. Gobert has plenty of potential, so his weaknesses could certainly be ironed out over time.
Draft Projection: Lottery Pick
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