Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas criticized Rudy Gobert for missing a Timberwolves playoff game to witness the birth of his son.
Gilbert Arenas, a former three-time NBA All-Star, ignited controversy when he criticized Rudy Gobert for missing a recent Minnesota Timberwolves playoff game due to the birth of his son.
Gobert, a four-time NBA All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, was ruled out of Game 2 of the Timberwolves' Western Conference semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets due to personal reasons. The Timberwolves went on to win both games and hold a 2-0 lead as the series shifts back to Minnesota for Game 3 on Friday.
Arenas, who is now a basketball analyst for Showtime, expressed his disapproval of Gobert's decision to miss the game.
"It's a baby, bro. It's gonna be there when you get back, we hope," Arenas said on the "Gil's Arena" podcast.
"I'm just saying, the baby, whatever you think you about to do, he going to be asleep."
Arenas, a father of four, argued that Gobert should have prioritized the game, especially given the team's success in his absence.
"I get you want to be with your wife and smile and stuff, and your good NBA health care insurance, it's because you playing," he said.
Gobert's availability for Game 2 was in doubt as he was considered questionable due to personal reasons. It is believed that he traveled back to France to be with his girlfriend, Julia Bonilla, for the birth of their son.
Gobert has been a key player for the Timberwolves, averaging 13 rebounds and three blocks per game in the playoffs. He is also averaging 11.4 rebounds per contest this postseason.
However, the Timberwolves have performed well in Gobert's absence, with Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way. Edwards finished Monday's game with 27 points and seven assists, while Towns also scored 27 points in the Timberwolves' 106-80 victory.
The Timberwolves will host Denver May 10 for Game 3. It is unclear if Gobert will be available for the game.
