Rudy Gobert has appeared in 69 of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 72 games this season, putting him on pace to reach 70 games for the fourth straight year, according to Marc J. Spears of Andscape. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year emphasized that his strict diet is key to staying healthy and avoiding injuries.
Gobert told Andscape, “A lot of the injuries or things that happen to the body are linked to inflammation. So, what you eat is going to heal you or slowly kill you. There’s no in-between.” He focuses on consuming “real foods” while avoiding processed meals, which research shows can increase risks for cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other health issues.
The 33-year-old center said proper nutrition allows his joints, muscles, and tendons to recover more efficiently, helping extend his career. “If you eat food that nourishes you, that removes inflammation from your body, obviously you’re giving your joints, your muscles, your tendons, all your cells — you’re giving them opportunity to recover better,” he explained.
Gobert also acknowledged that income can influence food choices but stressed the importance of knowledge. “Fast food in America is cheaper than real food. So, a lot of people don’t really have a choice. They still have a choice whether they want to drink soda or they want to drink water. Or people want to eat bad snacks or they want to just eat meals. So, it’s just knowledge. We have to all individually … just always be curious about what you put in your body because this impacts your whole life,” he said.
The Timberwolves currently hold a 44-28 record, fourth in the Western Conference, with Gobert averaging 11.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. His durability has complemented key contributors Anthony Edwards (29.5 PPG) and Julius Randle (21.0 PPG) in maintaining Minnesota’s playoff positioning.
As the Timberwolves push toward the postseason, Gobert’s consistent availability remains a crucial factor. His example demonstrates the growing emphasis on nutrition in the NBA as a tool for longevity and player health.
