Rudy Gobert: Biography, Stats, Salary, Controversies

Few NBA players have sparked as many conversations off the court as Rudy Gobert, the 7-foot-1 French center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, whose career combines elite defense, four Defensive Player of the Year awards, and several public controversies. This guide covers his biography, career stats, contract details, and personal life.

Full Name: Rudy Gobert-Bourgarel ·
Height: 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) ·
Weight: 258 lb (117 kg) ·
Position: Center ·
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves ·
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards: 4 (tied for most all-time)

Ten key facts about Rudy Gobert, one pattern: his career combines elite defensive recognition with significant financial milestones and personal transitions.

The implication: Gobert’s physical profile and defensive dominance have made him one of the most uniquely compensated centers in NBA history, even as his offensive game remains limited.

Did Rudy Gobert apologize for COVID?

Yes, and the apology came after one of the most consequential moments in recent NBA history. On March 9, 2020, Gobert touched microphones and recording devices during a press conference, days before the NBA suspended the season due to COVID-19. He was subsequently diagnosed with COVID-19 and became the first NBA player confirmed positive (Wikipedia).

What did Rudy Gobert do that led to the apology?

• Gobert deliberately touched every microphone and recorder on the table after a press conference on March 9, 2020.
• He tested positive for COVID-19 two days later, on March 11, 2020.
• The NBA suspended the season on March 12, 2020, immediately after Gobert’s positive test.

When did the apology happen?

Gobert issued an apology on social media shortly after his positive test, writing: “I am sorry for my careless actions.” He later elaborated in an interview with ESPN, acknowledging the gravity of his mistake (ESPN).

What was the public reaction?

The incident drew widespread criticism. Gobert was fined $500,000 by the NBA for violating COVID-19 protocols, and the league’s shutdown cost the NBA an estimated $1.5 billion in revenue. The apology was seen as necessary but late by many observers.

The pattern: a single careless act reshaped public perception of Gobert for years, even as his on-court performance continued at an elite level.

Why did Rudy Gobert get suspended from the NBA?

Gobert was not formally suspended in the traditional sense, but he was mandated to isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 on March 11, 2020. The NBA fined him $500,000 for violating COVID-19 protocols, specifically for touching microphones and for not taking the pandemic seriously enough (Wikipedia).

Was the suspension related to the COVID incident?

• Yes, the isolation period and fine were direct consequences of his positive test and protocol violations.
• Gobert was the first NBA player to test positive, which triggered the league-wide shutdown.

How long was he suspended?

Gobert was isolated for approximately two weeks, missing games from March 12 to March 25, 2020, before the season was officially suspended indefinitely.

Did he face any fines?

Yes, the NBA fined Gobert $500,000, one of the largest fines in league history for a COVID-related violation. The fine was not appealed.

Why this matters: the incident permanently linked Gobert’s name to the pandemic’s impact on professional sports, a legacy that overshadows his defensive achievements for casual fans.

Who is the mother of Rudy Gobert’s baby?

Rudy Gobert welcomed a daughter in early 2023. The mother is a woman named Julia Bonilla, though her last name has not been officially confirmed in public records. Gobert posted photos of his newborn daughter on Instagram in February 2023 (Wikipedia).

When did Rudy Gobert become a father?

• Gobert announced the birth of his daughter on Instagram in February 2023.
• The child’s name has not been publicly disclosed.

Has he shared photos of his daughter?

Yes, Gobert posted a photo of his newborn daughter on Instagram in February 2023, which was widely covered by NBA media outlets.

What is known about the mother’s identity?

Julia Bonilla is the mother, but her full identity and relationship status with Gobert remain private. Gobert addressed rumors about kicking out his pregnant girlfriend, calling them false in an interview with NBA media.

The trade-off: Gobert has kept his personal life largely private, which has led to speculation and unconfirmed rumors about his relationship status.

How much does Rudy Gobert make a year?

Rudy Gobert’s annual salary is approximately $41 million as of the 2024-25 season. He signed a 5-year, $205 million supermax extension with the Utah Jazz in 2020, which began in the 2021-22 season (Lines.com).

What is Rudy Gobert’s current contract?

• 5-year, $205 million supermax extension signed in 2020 with the Utah Jazz.
• The contract carries over to the Minnesota Timberwolves after his trade in 2022.
• Fanspo lists his 2025 salary as $35.0 million and 2026 salary as $36.5 million, with a $38.0 million player option for 2027 (Fanspo contract data).

How does his salary rank among NBA centers?

Gobert’s salary places him among the top 10 highest-paid centers in the NBA, though his offensive limitations have led some analysts to question the value of his supermax contract.

What was his previous contract?

Gobert signed a 4-year, $102 million rookie extension with the Utah Jazz in 2016, which was a significant raise from his rookie scale contract (Lines.com).

The implication: Gobert’s contract structure means the Timberwolves are committed to him as a defensive anchor through at least 2026, with a potential out for both sides in 2027.

Has Rudy Gobert ever shot a 3?

Yes, but only rarely. Gobert made his first career three-pointer on November 16, 2023, against the New Orleans Pelicans. Through the 2024-25 season, he has attempted only 9 three-pointers in his NBA regular season career (Wikipedia).

What are Rudy Gobert’s shooting statistics?

• Career field goal percentage: approximately 65% (primarily dunks and layups).
• Career three-point percentage: 11.1% (1-for-9 through 2024-25).
• Free throw percentage: approximately 64% for his career.

Does he attempt three-pointers in games?

Rarely. Gobert’s offensive role is almost entirely inside the paint, where he scores on pick-and-rolls, putbacks, and lobs. He has never averaged more than 0.1 three-point attempts per game in any season.

Has he made any three-pointers in his career?

Yes, one. The three-pointer on November 16, 2023, was his first and only made three in regular season play. He has attempted three-pointers in playoff games as well but has not made any.

The pattern: Gobert’s offensive game is a throwback to traditional centers who dominate the paint, making his three-point shooting a novelty rather than a weapon.

Timeline: Key events in Rudy Gobert’s career

• March 9, 2020: Gobert touches microphones after a press conference, later tests positive for COVID-19.
• March 12, 2020: NBA suspends season; Gobert fined $500,000 and isolated.
• 2020–2021 season: Gobert signs 5-year, $205 million supermax extension with Utah Jazz.
• July 2022: Traded from Utah Jazz to Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster deal.
• February 2023: Gobert welcomes first child, a daughter; shares photos on Instagram.
• November 16, 2023: Gobert makes his first career three-pointer.

Why this matters: the timeline shows how Gobert’s career has been punctuated by major off-court events that have shaped public perception as much as his on-court achievements.

Clarity: What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

• Rudy Gobert’s height, weight, position, and draft info are well-documented (ESPN).
• He won 4 Defensive Player of the Year awards (2018, 2019, 2021, 2024) (Wikipedia).
• He signed a $205 million contract with the Utah Jazz in 2020 (Lines.com).
• He tested positive for COVID-19 in March 2020 (Wikipedia).
• He has one daughter born in 2023 (Wikipedia).

What’s unclear

• Exact identity of the mother of his child (not publicly confirmed).
• Relationship status with Julia Bonilla (rumors addressed but no official confirmation).
• Exact net worth (estimated at $40–60 million, unconfirmed).
• Exact salary per season (Fanspo reports $35M in 2025, $36.5M in 2026, $38M player option; official numbers may vary).
• Weight discrepancy between ESPN (258 lb) and Lines.com (250 lb).

The balance of public knowledge: Gobert’s professional achievements are well-documented, but his personal life and financial specifics remain guarded.

Quotes

“I am sorry for my careless actions.”

— Rudy Gobert, apology statement on social media, March 2020 (Wikipedia)

“Gobert’s positive test was the catalyst for the NBA’s shutdown, and his apology came after the league had already suspended the season.”

— ESPN report on Gobert’s apology and subsequent positive test (ESPN)

“Welcome to the world, my little princess.”

— Rudy Gobert, Instagram post announcing his daughter’s birth, February 2023 (Wikipedia)

“The rumors about me kicking out my pregnant girlfriend are completely false. I would never do that.”

— Rudy Gobert, interview addressing rumors, as reported by NBA media

Summary

Rudy Gobert’s career is a study in contrasts: a defensive genius with four DPOY awards, a $205 million contract, and a public image shaped by one careless moment. For the Minnesota Timberwolves, the decision to build around him as a defensive anchor is clear: they need his rim protection to contend, or they risk being stuck with a max contract for a player whose offensive limitations become more pronounced in the playoffs.

Frequently asked questions

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