Rudy Gobert: Minnesota Timberwolves center wins 4th NBA Defensive Player of the Year award

For the fourth time in his career, center for the Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert was selected the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year, defeating fellow Frenchman and rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama.

As the only players to be voted the league's best defender four times, Gobert joins Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace. Gobert previously earned the honor in 2018, 2019, and 2021 while playing for the Utah Jazz.

Gobert led the Wolves' top-ranked defense the whole season, earning 72 of 99 possible first-place votes.

Wembanyama came in second place with 19 votes in the first position. In third place, Bam Adebayo just beat Anthony Davis, while Herbert Jones completed the top five.

This season, the Timberwolves have allowed an NBA-low 106.5 points per game, about two points more than the New York Knicks, who are in second place (108.2).

Gobert averaged 12.9 rebounds (second in the NBA) and 2.13 blocks (sixth) in 76 games.

Many of Gobert's Minnesota colleagues have stated that he had a significant role in fostering a defensive-minded culture, which has been evident during the Timberwolves' 6-0 playoff start.

With 3.58 blocked shots per game to lead the NBA, Wembanyama appears to have a firm grasp on the future of this award.

If Wembanyama, 20, were to experience a comparable period of domination in the near future, it would not be shocking.