39 Points and 12 Rebounds Replace Gobert! The NBA’s Defensive Titan Falls Short—A Major Embarrassment for the League

As the basketball world prepares for the highly anticipated 2024 Paris Olympics men’s basketball final between France and the United States, a surprising narrative has emerged: the fall of Rudy Gobert, the NBA’s four-time Defensive Player of the Year, who has seen his role on the French national team drastically reduced. In his place, former CBA standout Guerschon Yabusele and young phenom Victor Wembanyama have stepped up, leading France to shocking victories over Canada and Germany in the knockout rounds. The sudden and stark decline in Gobert’s playing time, coupled with the impressive performances of Yabusele and Wembanyama, has not only reshaped France’s strategy but also cast a shadow over Gobert’s NBA reputation.

The Rise of Yabusele and Wembanyama

The French team’s journey to the Olympic final has been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering their struggles during the group stage. Narrowly escaping with a 94-90 victory over Japan, France looked anything but a title contender. Their path to the knockout rounds was marred by internal conflict, with star guard Evan Fournier publicly criticizing the team’s playing style. This disarray left many doubting France’s chances of advancing deep into the tournament.

However, as the stakes rose, so did France’s level of play. In the quarterfinals, they dispatched a formidable Canadian team 82-73, and in the semifinals, they stunned the reigning FIBA World Cup champions, Germany, with a 73-69 victory. The most intriguing aspect of these wins was the minimal contribution from Gobert, who played only 3 and 5 minutes in the respective games, registering almost no stats. Instead, Yabusele and Wembanyama took center stage, combining for 39 points and 12 rebounds in these two critical matchups.

Gobert’s Shocking Decline

Gobert’s reduced role in the knockout rounds has been attributed to his decision to undergo finger surgery, which limited his effectiveness on the court. Despite his injury, Gobert insisted on remaining with the team, even if only to provide minimal contributions. This decision, while admirable, backfired in a way that few could have predicted.

France effectively played without Gobert, redistributing his minutes among other players. This shift not only yielded positive results on the scoreboard but also exposed Gobert’s limitations under the current circumstances. The move has been seen by some as a tactical masterstroke, while others view it as an indictment of Gobert’s declining utility on the international stage. For a player who has built his career on being a defensive anchor, this development is particularly damaging, raising questions about his future both with the French national team and in the NBA.

Yabusele’s Redemption Arc

At the heart of France’s resurgence has been Guerschon Yabusele, a player who once plied his trade in the CBA before finding success in Europe. Yabusele, who was often overshadowed in the NBA, has found new life in the French national team setup. Against Canada, he scored 22 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, and against Germany, he added 17 points and 7 rebounds. His performances have been nothing short of spectacular, providing France with the inside presence that Gobert was expected to deliver.

Yabusele’s rise is a story of redemption. After struggling to find his place in the NBA, he returned to Europe and honed his skills, eventually earning a spot on the French national team. His chemistry with Wembanyama has been a revelation, with the two forming a formidable frontcourt duo. While Wembanyama does much of the dirty work—blocking shots, contesting rebounds, and setting screens—Yabusele has emerged as the team’s primary offensive weapon in the paint.

Fournier’s Fallout and Role Adjustment

Evan Fournier, once heralded as "FIBA Jordan" for his scoring prowess in international play, has also experienced a significant role change during this Olympic campaign. After his public criticism of France’s playing style during the group stage, Fournier found himself relegated to the bench in the knockout rounds. The decision was seen as a punishment for his outspokenness, but it also proved to be a strategic adjustment that benefited the team.

As a substitute, Fournier played a crucial role in France’s victory over Canada, scoring 15 points, including 12 in the decisive fourth quarter. This performance silenced his critics and led to his public retraction of earlier statements, with Fournier claiming that there were no lingering issues between him and the coaching staff. However, his reduced role persisted in the semifinal against Germany, where he managed just 5 points and 2 rebounds.

The decision to keep Fournier on the bench is not necessarily a reflection of ongoing tension between him and the coaching staff. Instead, it appears to be a recognition that the starting lineup, which thrived against Canada, was the best option moving forward. For Fournier, who is now 31 years old, this shift represents a transition from being the team’s go-to scorer to a veteran presence capable of making timely contributions.

The Implications for Gobert and the NBA

Gobert’s struggles during this Olympic run have broader implications, particularly for his standing in the NBA. Known as one of the league’s premier defenders, Gobert has built a reputation as a player who can single-handedly anchor a defense. Yet, his inability to contribute meaningfully in this international setting, even with the mitigating factor of injury, has cast doubt on his current form and future prospects.

For the NBA, Gobert’s decline is a concerning development, especially considering the league’s emphasis on its players' global dominance. The NBA prides itself on being the home of the best basketball talent in the world, and Gobert’s status as a four-time Defensive Player of the Year underscores that. However, his recent performances suggest that he may no longer be the force he once was, raising questions about how much longer he can maintain his elite status.

The emergence of Yabusele and Wembanyama as key players for France further complicates the narrative. While Wembanyama is widely regarded as the future of basketball, Yabusele’s success after returning from China highlights the global nature of the sport and the different pathways players can take to reach the top. For the NBA, which has seen a steady influx of international talent, Gobert’s situation serves as a reminder that even the league’s brightest stars can face challenges on the world stage.

France’s Path to Olympic Glory

As France prepares to face the United States in the Olympic final, the team finds itself in a familiar position. At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, France also reached the final, only to fall short against Team USA, settling for a silver medal. This time, however, the stakes are higher. France will be playing on home soil, and the expectation is that they will give everything to dethrone the Americans.

To achieve this, France will need contributions from across the roster, including from veterans like Fournier and rising stars like Wembanyama. But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this final will be the continued role of Yabusele, who has become the unlikely hero of France’s Olympic run. If he can maintain his current form, Yabusele may very well be the key to France’s success, and in the process, he could cement his legacy as one of the most important players in French basketball history.

For Gobert, the final presents an opportunity for redemption. Despite his struggles, he remains a vital part of the team, and a strong performance against the United States could help restore his reputation. However, the path forward will not be easy. The United States, even without stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, remains the team to beat. France will need to play their best basketball to have any chance of claiming gold.

As the world watches, the storylines are set: the rise of Yabusele, the redemption of Fournier, and the potential fall of Gobert. Whatever the outcome, this Olympic final promises to be a defining moment for French basketball and a significant chapter in the careers of those involved.