Rudy Gobert WAG’s, Rings, Salary, net worth & contract

Rudy Gobert-Bourgarel, widely known as “The Stifle Tower,” is a French professional basketball player renowned for his dominant presence in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing at an imposing 7 feet 1 inch tall with an extraordinary 7 feet 9 inches wingspan, Gobert commands the court as a formidable center for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Rudy Gobert’s journey exemplifies dedication, resilience, and excellence on and off the basketball court.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Rudy Gobert-Bourgarel
Known as	Rudy Gobert
Nickname	The Stifle Tower
Birth Date	June 26, 1992
Birth Place	Saint-Quentin, France
Residence	Not Available
Religion	Christianity
Nationality	French
Ethnicity	Mixed (black-white)
Education	Not Available
Zodiac Sign	Cancer
Father’s Name	Rudy Bourgarel
Mother’s Name	Corinne Gobert
Siblings	2 (half-siblings)
Age	31 years old
Height	7 feet 1 inch
Weight	258 lb (117 kg)
Eye Color	Brown
Hair Color	Black
Body type	Athletic
Profession	Basketball Player
Marital Status	In a Relationship
Girlfriend	Julia Bonilla
Children	Expecting  a child
Active since	2011 – present
Teams	2011–2013 Cholet 2013–2022 Utah Jazz 2013–2014 Bakersfield Jam 2022–present Minnesota Timberwolves
Endorsements	Nike
Net Worth	$40 million
NBA Draft Pick	2013 / Round: 1 / Pick: 27th overall
Position	Center
League	NBA
Merch	NBA Basketball Trading Card
Social Media	Instagram, Twitter, Facebook

Rudy Gobert Early Life and Family

Rudy Gobert’s upbringing was marked by the challenges of growing up as a mixed-race child in France. Born to Rudy Bourgarel and Corinne Gobert in Saint-Quentin, his parents divorced when he was about three years old, with his father relocating to Guadeloupe. Raised by his mother, Corinne, who worked as a hairdresser to support her three children, Rudy faced the complexities of navigating his identity in a diverse society.

Despite the separation, Rudy connected with his father, visiting him in Guadeloupe, where Rudy Bourgarel closely followed his son’s burgeoning basketball career. Rudy Gobert fondly recalls his mother’s efforts to save money for family trips to Guadeloupe, fostering a sense of unity despite the geographical distance.

Basketball Family

Rudy Gobert’s basketball lineage runs deep. His father, Rudy Bourgarel, played collegiate basketball at Marist College in the 1980s alongside future NBA player Rik Smits. Although Bourgarel’s NBA aspirations were never realized, his passion for the sport resonated with his son, Rudy Gobert.

Despite not pushing Rudy into basketball, Bourgarel took pride in his son’s accomplishments, recognizing their shared physical attributes and athletic prowess. Rudy Gobert’s entry into the NBA fulfilled a dream his father once harbored, symbolizing the culmination of their family’s basketball legacy.

Nickname: “Stifle Tower”

Rudy Gobert’s on-court prowess earned him the moniker “Stifle Tower” early in his NBA career, a nod to his imposing shot-blocking abilities. Coined by Jody Genessy of the Deseret News shortly after Gobert’s draft selection, the nickname initially met with mixed feelings from the towering center.

However, Gobert embraced the nickname over time, recognizing its resonance with fans and the basketball community. Alongside playful monikers like “Gobzilla,” Gobert’s acceptance of the “Stifle Tower” epitomizes his emergence as a dominant defensive force in the NBA, celebrated for his ability to deter opponents with his towering presence.

Early Basketball Career

Rudy Gobert’s journey in basketball commenced at the grassroots level, starting with the JSC St-Quentin club in 2003. His early involvement in the sport laid the foundation for his remarkable career trajectory.

Transition to Cholet Basket

Gobert’s talent quickly caught the attention of scouts, leading to his enrollment in Cholet Basket’s cadet categories training center in 2007. His tenure at Cholet Basket provided invaluable developmental opportunities and prepared him for the elite levels of competition.

FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship

In 2010, Gobert represented France at the prestigious FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, showcasing his skills on the international stage. His standout performances earned him recognition as the team’s top scorer and rebounder, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in French basketball.

Cholet Basket Junior Team

Gobert’s progression continued as he honed his craft with the Cholet Basket junior team from 2009 to 2011. Despite limited opportunities with the senior squad, he made significant contributions, demonstrating his potential to compete at higher levels.

Professional Career

Cholet Basket (2011–2013)

During his early professional years, Rudy Gobert played for Cholet Basket, primarily featuring for their junior team. Despite limited opportunities with the senior squad, Gobert’s potential as a defensive stalwart caught the eye of scouts and paved the way for his transition to the NBA.

Utah Jazz (2013–2022)

2013–14 Season: Rookie Season

Selected by the Utah Jazz in the 2013 NBA Draft, Gobert quickly established himself as a defensive force, earning the nickname “The Stifle Tower” for his shot-blocking prowess. While his rookie season saw limited playing time, Gobert showcased glimpses of his potential, laying the foundation for his future success.

2014–15 Season: Defensive Emergence

Gobert’s sophomore campaign marked a significant leap in his development. With his defensive prowess, he solidified his place in the Jazz lineup, leading the team in blocks and emerging as one of the league’s premier rim protectors.

2015–16 Season: Defensive Anchor

Establishing himself as a full-time starter, Gobert continued to excel defensively, anchoring the Jazz’s defense with his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. He showcased his resilience and impact on both court ends despite facing injury setbacks.

2016–17 Season: Defensive Dominance and Contract Extension

Gobert signed a lucrative contract extension with the Jazz, reflecting his importance to the team’s long-term plans. He further solidified his status as one of the league’s top defenders, earning his first All-NBA team selection and leading the NBA in blocks.

2017–18 Season: Defensive Player of the Year

Continuing his defensive excellence, Gobert captured his first Defensive Player of the Year award, cementing his reputation as one of the premier rim protectors in the NBA. Despite injury setbacks, he remained a cornerstone for the Jazz’s defense.

2018–19 Season: Defensive Excellence Continues

Gobert’s defensive dominance persisted, earning him his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award. His presence in the paint and ability to alter opponents’ shots solidified the Jazz’s defense as one of the league’s best.

2019–20 Season: All-Star Recognition and COVID-19 Controversy

Gobert earned his first All-Star selection, showcasing his impact on both ends of the court. However, his season was marred by controversy after testing positive for COVID-19, highlighting the seriousness of the pandemic and prompting reflection on player safety measures.

2020–21 Season: Defensive Mastery and Third DPOY Award

Gobert’s defensive prowess was again recognized with his third Defensive Player of the Year award. His ability to anchor the Jazz’s defense and deter opponents from driving to the rim solidified his status as one of the league’s elite defenders.

2021–22 Season: Rebounding Title and Transition to the Timberwolves

Gobert led the team in rebounds per game, enhancing his defensive impact. Despite his success, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, embarking on a new chapter in his career while continuing to showcase his defensive prowess.

Minnesota Timberwolves (2022–Present)

Upon joining the Minnesota Timberwolves, Gobert brought his defensive expertise to a new team, making an immediate impact with his shot-blocking, rebounding, and leadership qualities. His presence in the paint solidified the Timberwolves’ defense and elevated the team’s performance.

Relationship and Fatherhood

In a heartfelt Instagram post on February 21, 2024, Rudy Gobert shared the joy of expecting a child with Julia Bonilla. The announcement marks a significant milestone in Gobert’s personal life, signaling his transition to fatherhood and embracing the responsibilities and joys that come with it.

Julia Bonilla’s partnership with Rudy Gobert represents a new chapter in his journey. While further details about their relationship remain private, their anticipation of parenthood symbolizes a shared commitment to building a family and nurturing their future together.

Contracts and Net Worth

With a net worth estimated at $40 million, Rudy Gobert’s lucrative NBA contracts have positioned him as one of the league’s highest-paid players. His decision to forego a supermax extension in favor of supporting team development exemplifies his commitment to team success over personal gain.

Lifestyle and Philanthropy

Gobert’s lifestyle reflects his success, which is evident in his choice of luxury vehicles like the Range Rover Evoque and his multimillion-dollar home in Salt Lake City. Beyond his investments, Gobert’s philanthropic endeavors through the Rudy’s Kids Foundation highlight his dedication to supporting youth education and community development initiatives.

Social Activism and Charitable Work

Renowned for his social activism, Gobert leverages his platform to advocate for positive change and support charitable causes. Through partnerships with organizations like Peace and Sport, Gobert’s foundation contributes to youth empowerment programs, exemplifying his commitment to making a difference both on and off the court.

Rudy Gobert Girlfriend Julia Bonilla: Personal Life, Motherhood, Relationship, and Career

Julia Bonilla, the girlfriend of NBA star Rudy Gobert, recently announced her pregnancy on Instagram, marking a new chapter in their lives. Here’s Julia’s background, career, and relationship with Rudy. 

Personal Life

Julia Bonilla was born and raised in France, sharing her cultural background with her partner, Rudy Gobert. Despite the couple’s preference for privacy, their announcement of Julia’s pregnancy has sparked widespread interest and well-wishes from fans and fellow NBA players. This significant milestone marks a new chapter in their relationship and lives.

Pregnancy Announcement

The announcement of Julia’s pregnancy on Instagram was met with joy and excitement from their followers. Rudy Gobert’s caption, “Legacy,” alongside a tender photo of him resting his hand on Julia’s baby bump, captured the anticipation and happiness of impending parenthood. Julia’s heartfelt comment, referring to themselves as “The better half of us,” further underscored their shared excitement for this new journey.

Relationship History

While details about their relationship remain private, glimpses of Julia’s support for Rudy can be seen during his basketball games, where she has been spotted cheering him on from the sidelines. Their shared experiences, including spending holidays with Julia’s family, reflect a deep and meaningful connection between the couple.

Career and Podcast

Julia Bonilla’s career extends beyond her role as Rudy Gobert’s partner. As the co-host and editor of the blog/podcast “Journey,” Julia provides candid insights into various aspects of life’s journey. The podcast features notable guests discussing lifestyle topics, offering listeners a glimpse into Julia’s diverse interests and perspectives.

Model and Influencer

In addition to her podcasting endeavors, Julia has carved out a niche for herself as a model and influencer. Her social media presence showcases her glamorous lifestyle through captivating photos taken in picturesque locations. Julia’s fashion sense and charisma have garnered her a substantial following, allowing her to connect with audiences on a broader scale.

Motherhood

Julia’s pregnancy announcement on Instagram was accompanied by serene beach shots, capturing the quiet beauty of the moment. As she embarks on the journey of motherhood alongside Rudy, Julia appears to be relishing every moment of the experience. While no official due date has been confirmed, Julia’s radiant glow and genuine excitement hint at the joy and anticipation of welcoming their first child into the world.

 As Julia Bonilla embraces her role as an expectant mother, her announcement heralds a new chapter filled with love, joy, and anticipation. Julia’s journey exemplifies resilience, grace, and excitement for the future, from her successful career endeavors to her supportive partnership with Rudy Gobert. As they prepare to welcome their little one, Julia and Rudy’s shared journey promises to be filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.