Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves has been named the 2023-24 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, claiming the honor for a record-tying fourth time in his career.
Gobert joins elite company, matching the achievements of Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace as the only players to have won the award four times since its inception in the 1982-83 season.
The 7-foot-1 center from France becomes the first player in Timberwolves history to earn this distinction.
During the regular season, Gobert’s defensive impact was evident as he ranked sixth in the NBA for blocks per game (2.13) and fourth for defensive rebounds per game (9.2). He significantly affected opponents’ shooting, holding them to 43.4% from the field when he was the closest defender, a 6.1% decrease from their expected shooting percentage (49.5%). Among players who defended at least 800 shots, Gobert had the largest differential.
Gobert’s leadership anchored Minnesota’s defensive success, with the Timberwolves boasting the best defensive rating, allowing the fewest points per game, and holding opponents to the lowest field goal percentage league-wide.
Under Gobert’s guidance, the Timberwolves achieved a standout regular-season record of 56-26, marking the second-best season in franchise history. Their strong performance secured the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Gobert’s exceptional defensive contributions throughout the season have solidified his place among the NBA’s defensive elite, and his impact has been pivotal in elevating the Timberwolves’ defensive prowess to unprecedented levels during the 2023-24 campaign.
