April.

“For nearly all of this 11-year NBA career, that reality for Gobert has often been near-relentless derision.

“Some of that scorn has been self-inflicted, such as in March 2020 when Gobert jokingly touched all the microphones and tape recorders during his first socially distanced media availability — only to become the first NBA player to test positive for COVID-19 just days later…

“That was the case when he called [his mom] sobbing more than five years ago, upset…

“Gobert had been anticipating his All-Star debut, but he was the most notable omission when reserve picks were announced the night before.

“The emotion was evident in Gobert's voice. He said his mother called him crying the previous night because she knew how much the honor meant to him. Gobert…felt tears welling in his eyes.

“‘Sorry,’ Gobert said, looking down. He bit his quivering lip and shook his head. He covered his face with his hand, turned away from the cameras and leaned against the fabric team backdrop before waving his hand and walking away, too upset to continue.

“Video of the scene went viral, making Gobert a target…suddenly, images of the 7-foot-1 Frenchman weeping became his most dominant identifying feature…

“Green taking public jabs at Gobert — and Gobert taking a verbal or social media swipe in return — has become a recurring theme. Green has had plenty of company among current and former players who have criticized or poked fun at Gobert…

“Shaquille O'Neal…also ranks among Gobert's most relentless critics. That has particularly been true since Gobert signed a five-year, $205 million deal…’Twelve points and eight rebounds? I could do that s--- right now’…

“Gobert still sees opponents snickering. He hears when a Hall of Famer…disrespects him. He just doesn't allow himself to harp on it. Not anymore.”