The Paris Olympics has brought together 81 NBA players representing their nations, leading to unexpected alliances and intense on-court rivalries. One of the most fascinating stories is the duo of Team USA’s Anthony Edwards and French star Rudy Gobert. Although they were once on the same team as the Minnesota Timberwolves, the two stars are now rivals, and Edwards is approaching this competition with great seriousness.
Edwards severs connection with Gobert
When questioned about communicating with Gobert during the Olympics, Edwards clearly stated: “I spoke to him upon arrival, but no, we’re rivals here, we’re not conversing.” This brief break in connections is not due to hostility but a strong dedication to their individual national teams. Edwards clarified his position, stating, “He knows I wanna see him. It means a lot for him, I know he loves playing for France every year, and he’s looking forward to it.”
The roots of the rivalry: pre-Olympics trash talk
The competitive spirit between the two was ignited long before the Olympics began. Gobert’s bold mid-season claim that France would triumph over the USA sparked a fire in Edwards. “I know before it started, like mid-season, we’re talking trash to each other, and he was like, they gonna beat us, so I’m looking forward to playing against France,” Edwards recounted. This playful yet intense rivalry has added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.
Potential olympic clash: will Edwards face Gobert?
Currently, Edwards and Gobert have not yet played against each other in the tournament because their teams are in different groups. Yet, Team USA and Team France have advanced to the elimination rounds, increasing the chance of a potential face-off in the championship. Team USA completely controlled the initial phase, triumphing in all three matches and securing a top position, leading them to face Brazil in the quarter-finals. In the upcoming game, France will be facing off against Canada.
Edwards and Gobert stand out with exceptional individual displays
Gobert has been a strong defensive player for France, averaging more than six rebounds and making a significant impact with eight blocks in three games, even though he only scores an average of six points. Meanwhile, Edwards has excelled as a player for Team USA. He stood out in the game against Puerto Rico by scoring 26 points, the highest in the game, with an impressive 11 out of 15 shots made. Edwards, frequently praised as a possible successor to Michael Jordan’s legacy, has played a key role in Team USA’s achievements.
Expectation grows: a potential ultimate confrontation
There is a lot of excitement in the basketball community for a possible championship game between the USA and France. With Victor Wembanyama on the French team, fans are excited to see if Edwards and Gobert will compete against each other in the Olympics. The possibility of a confrontation like this assures a dramatic meeting, full of significant risks and strong feelings.
The bigger picture: Olympic spirit and camaraderie
Despite the current competitive silence, the underlying camaraderie between Edwards and Gobert remains strong. After the Olympics end, they will go back to being teammates and friends with the Minnesota Timberwolves, working together to win an NBA title. Currently, the main focus is on national pride and striving for Olympic success, motivating them to perform their best on the court.
The story of Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert at the Paris Olympics is a testament to the human element in sports. It shows how competition may change relationships temporarily, but mutual respect and friendship last even after the competition. As supporters, we excitedly anticipate the development of this story, honoring the Olympic values that inspire athletes globally.