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New York Post
Rudy Gobert and Team France coach clash over explanation behind NBAer’s Olympic status
By Jenna Lemoncelli,
9 hours ago
Team France center Rudy Gobert and coach Vincent Collet had conflicting explanations over why he played less than four minutes in Tuesday’s semifinals win against Canada at the Paris Olympics.
Gobert, who was yanked from the starting lineup for reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, told reporters he had surgery on his left ring finger Monday — and was grateful he was even able to play during France’s 82-73 victory.
“They [Canada] play small ball. I wanted Wemby [Wembanyama] to start at five, that’s why I put [Guerschon] Yabusele at four,” Collet said . “The other change was Isaia Cordinier for Evan Fournier because I wanted a defensive starting five.”
Rudy Gobert #27 of France and Dwight Powell #7 of Canada battle for rebound position during the men’s quarterfinal basketball game between Team France and Team Canada at the Paris Olympics at Bercy Arena on August 6, 2024. Getty Images Team France center Rudy Gobert talks with reporters after being benched with limited minutes in France’s semifinals win against Canada at the Paris Olympics on August 6, 2024. X/@BenGolliver
Collet went on to explain Gobert had an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.
“It was not surgery. It was just a shake (a slight dislocation),” Collet said. “He had the ball coming at his finger and it got opened.
“It was not a surgery. He had an MRI to be sure he’s ok, but it’s not surgery.”
France center Victor Wembanyama and Coach Vincent Collet of Team France during Men’s basketball quarterfinal game against Canada at the Paris Olympics at Bercy Arena on August 6, 2024. Getty Images Team France coach Vincent Collet and French center Rudy react duriing the semifinal game against Canada at the Paris Olympics on August 6, 2024. REUTERS
Collet did explain the injury was “the main [reason]” for the lineup shuffle.
“He’s a good player. I know he has pain in his finger despite the surgeon saying he could play. He didn’t know exactly, but finally, this morning, he said, ‘I can play,'” Collet said.
“My idea was to protect him if I could do it. I wanted to leave him on the bench. As it was working well with the other big men, I preferred to keep him on the bench. He will be ready for the next game.”
France’s coach Vincent Collet (C) speaks to his players in the men’s quarterfinal basketball match against Canada during the Paris Olympics at the Bercy Arena in Paris on August 6, 2024. AFP via Getty Images
It’s unclear if Gobert and Collet had some sort of miscommunication about his treatment.
France will face Germany, which features NBA players Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, Daniel Theis and Moritz Wagner, in the semifinals Thursday.
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