Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has endorsed the appointment of San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama as captain of the France national basketball team ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
Gobert, who captained Les Bleus during the international window in July, has handed over leadership duties to Wembanyama for August as France prepares for 2027 FIBA World Cup qualification games against Slovenia and Sweden.
Speaking about the handover of power, Gobert dismissed any suggestion that he felt hurt or dethroned by the decision, saying that the leadership change was in the natural order of things. He noted that if the transition had not taken place this year, it likely would have happened next year.
Gobert said holding the captaincy comes with significant responsibility, but emphasized that the change does not alter his own role within the squad. He added that the decision also leaves Wembanyama's role unchanged, as the young star is already the public face of the team.
Defensive pairing against Serbia
Gobert addressed the captaincy change during a press conference on the eve of France's second exhibition match against Serbia in Orleans. The team is continuing its preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers after traveling to Belgrade earlier in the week.
The French frontcourt duo previously joined forces at the Paris Olympic Games and shared the court again on Thursday evening in Belgrade, where France suffered a narrow 90-87 defeat to Serbia.
Reflecting on the loss, Gobert said there are many areas for collective improvement, but argued that pairing two of the best defenders in the world gives France a unique strength that no other team possesses. He noted that both players must work out how to make each other better on the court, adding that such chemistry cannot be built overnight.
France national basketball team leadership
Gobert has served as the defensive anchor for France for several years alongside his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Wembanyama, selected first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 NBA draft, has rapidly become the focal point of French basketball following an impressive arrival in North America.
France will complete its exhibition slate against Serbia in Orleans before entering competitive action in August for the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualification window against Slovenia and Sweden.
