Rudy Gobert understands the process for young big men trying to acclimate and find their way in the NBA. He entered the league as a 21-year-old more than a decade ago.

Gobert noted he and Chet Holmgren — a new-age unicorn of sorts who can do a bit of everything on the floor — are different players, but he also added it was an adjustment for him to get into the league and battle guys who are much stronger and more physical than he was at the time.

“It was a process I told myself. I really had to spend some time in the weight room, and if I wanted to be able to stay on the court. For us seven footers, it’s always a process,” Gobert said. “Your body is not the body of someone at 6-5, so you have to spend more time to make sure you can be on the court, and I think that’s what Victor (Wembanyama) is going through, Chet is going to have to go through, what he went through with that injury last year. I think he’s aware of that, and it seems like he’s feeling good, looking good. I’m happy for him.”

“Looking good” may be a bit of an understatement. The Minnehaha Academy grad is averaging 18 points, eight boards and 2.3 blocks. He has gone north of 30 points in two of his last four contests entering Tuesday’s homecoming in Minnesota. Holmgren has usurped Wembanyama in the early stages of the Rookie of the Year race.

Seemingly forgotten after missing all of the 2022-23 season with a foot injury, the former No. 2 overall pick is reminding everyone of the special talent he is.

“What I see is he really enjoys playing basketball. That’s the most important thing, right?” Gobert said. “He’s competitive, and he wants to prove people wrong. I can tell that he has a chip on his shoulder, and I love it. I love to watch these young guys just be themselves and write their own narrative, write their own story.”

Gobert is happy to watch a fellow big man experiencing early success in his career.

“I can tell that he’s put in a lot of work,” Gobert said. “They’re also winning, so I think that’s a pretty good way to level up as a player when you can win games and be in a very competitive environment. Sky’s the limit. He’s going to write his own legacy, and I’m excited to be able to witness that.”