Rudy Gobert might not be the flashiest name in conversations about NBA longevity, but it’s time we start giving him his due. As he enters his age-33 season, Gobert is quietly putting together one of the most impressive late-career runs we’ve seen from a big man in recent memory - and he’s doing it on both ends of the floor.
Let’s start with the defense, because that’s always been Gobert’s calling card. He’s a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, so when we say this might be his best defensive season yet, that’s not hyperbole - it’s a genuine statement backed by the numbers.
Gobert’s on/off defensive swing is a staggering +15 points per 100 possessions, the best mark of his career, and it sits in the 100th percentile league-wide. That’s not just elite - that’s game-changing.
Once again, he’s anchoring a top-10 defense, and doing it with the kind of consistency that coaches dream about.
What’s remarkable is how little drop-off there’s been in his mobility. At 33, most bigs start to lose a step, especially when asked to defend in space.
Not Gobert. According to NBA.com tracking data, opponents are shooting just 40.8% on isolation plays against him - a testament to his ability to not just protect the rim, but also step out and hold his own on the perimeter when needed.
That level of versatility, especially this late in his career, is a rare trait among centers.
Offensively, Gobert continues to play within himself - and that’s a good thing. He’s never been a high-usage scorer, but he’s always been efficient, and that hasn’t changed.
He’s currently leading the league with a field goal percentage north of 71%, and he’s averaging 11 points per game, mostly by doing what he does best: rolling hard to the rim, finishing lobs, crashing the offensive glass, and setting bone-rattling screens that free up his teammates. He doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, and in today’s NBA, that kind of self-awareness is invaluable.
What’s also worth noting is Gobert’s durability and conditioning - two things that often get overlooked when we talk about greatness. While other star bigs like Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis have battled injuries and shown signs of wear in their early 30s, Gobert has stayed remarkably consistent.
Even players like Myles Turner and Clint Capela - both younger than Gobert - have seen their roles diminish or their effectiveness wane. Gobert, meanwhile, is still logging over 31 minutes per game and bringing energy every night.
That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a product of elite fitness, a strong understanding of his role, and an ability to adapt his game as he ages. And while his minutes have been slightly scaled back, it’s more about efficiency than necessity - he’s still delivering high-impact basketball in the time he’s on the floor.
At 7 feet tall, Gobert is defying the usual aging curve for big men. He’s not just hanging on - he’s thriving. And while his name might not come up as often as it should when we talk about the league’s most durable stars, it absolutely belongs in that conversation.
Because when you look at what Gobert is doing this season - still elite on defense, still efficient on offense, still bringing it every night - it’s clear: this isn’t just a player aging gracefully. This is a player redefining what longevity looks like at the center position.