Former NBA All-Star Gets Real On Potential Rudy Gobert Benching Vs. Team USA

France has a Rudy Gobert problem. Ever since the playoffs of the Olympics have started, Gobert has sat on the bench. We at least know that part of the reason is due to a finger injury he sustained recently.

France's big men have stepped up, with ex-NBA center Guerschon Yabusele, in particular, being a revelation in the starting lineup. With France gearing up for a gold medal rematch against Team USA, though, coach Vincent Collet has a choice to make

Should Collet put value in Gobert's experience against NBA competition, or do they ride the hot hand? For former NBA All-Star Baron Davis, Gobert at least deserves a chance to try to impact the game. However, Davis stressed that if France performed badly with Gobert, Collet should not hesitate to bench the star.

"Out of respect, give him [Gobert] a chance," Davis said on Draymond Green's podcast. "But if he ain't cutting it, you gotta roll with what you got."

Davis also stressed that Gobert will need to put the team first and either accept his benching or find a way to contribute when he's on the floor.

Yabusele was inserted into the starting lineup with Isaïa Cordinier in France's quarterfinal bout against Canada. That lineup has worked wonders, with Yabusele and Cordinier providing a badly needed spark. Gobert's injury has ironically given France new life in the Olympics after starting flat in the group stages.

France has morphed into a gritty, no-nonsense defense-oriented team in the playoffs. That tough defense will be tested against a Team USA lineup who's found their groove in the last two games.

After suffering heartbreak in Tokyo against the US, France is looking for redemption in front of their fans.

Related: Rudy Gobert's Bizarre Benching Vs. Canada Gets Confusing Update