Potential International lineup for Team USA vs World future All-Star Game format
By Ben Handler
Backup Center: Rudy Gobert, France
It’s going to be hard to find minutes for the likely soon-to-be four-time Defensive Player of the Year, but his talent on that end must be rewarded. Rudy is the best rim protector in the league and one of the best screeners to boot.
He can come in and play a limited role off the bench for this squad, providing somewhat of a different look. He can also be surrounded by enough defenders that he won’t be dragged outside too much or forced into compromising positions.
The issues with Gobert mostly stem from teams being able to play him off the floor in high-leverage situations, but that wouldn’t really matter on this team. They have enough options at big men that if Team USA wants to constantly pick at that scab, it’s simple to adjust.
Offensively, Gobert wouldn’t have to do much, he could focus on his elite screen setting, as he’d be surrounded by elite scoring at every position. His main job would almost be to stay out of the way on that end - well, to get in the way of his opponents.
On a team full of dominant two-way players, it’s totally fine to have a specialist who excels at certain skills. Gobert would definitely fit the bill with his rim protection.