Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, a longtime pillar of the French national team, is planning to skip this summer’s EuroBasket tournament, marking a notable absence.
This will be the first time Gobert has not suited up for France in a major international competition since EuroBasket 2017.
The decision reflects a growing concern over the physical demands of international play, particularly as Gobert approaches the later stages of his career.
Earlier this year, the 32-year-old veteran spoke candidly about the toll that summer tournaments take on his body and how it affects his NBA readiness.
“After the Euro, it’s always harder, that’s when you feel the backlash,” Gobert said back in February. “And you don’t recover the same at 33 years old than at 23.”
Gobert, who turns 33 on June 26, has long been known for his commitment to national duty, so his absence is a significant one for France as they prepare for the upcoming tournament.
Meanwhile, there is also uncertainty around the availability of another key French player, Victor Wembanyama.
The San Antonio Spurs star is still recovering from deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, and it remains unclear whether he’ll be cleared to participate in time.
EuroBasket 2025 is scheduled to take place from August 27 to September 14, with France facing potential roster instability heading into the competition.
Rudy Gobert To Skip EuroBasket https://t.co/Jq4ZbkDOg1
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 21, 2025
