Rudy Gobert is one of the most dominant defensive big men in the NBA, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, key anchor for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and a high-profile figure inside the league. Yet, despite his accolades, he’s become something of a lightning rod: players take verbal jabs; analysts critique his game; even Hall-of-Famers publicly mock him.

So what’s behind this pattern of friction? Is Gobert the instigator, or is he merely a target? Below, we explore the root causes of his recurring beefs with others in the NBA.

What Gives Rise To Rudy Gobert’s Confrontations With Opponents And Peers?

Several recurring themes help explain why Gobert ends up in conflict so often: • Unconventional style + un-flashy excellence. Gobert admits that his style of play — rim protection, l

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