Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert may be a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, but he can’t stop NBA fans and analysts from attacking him every chance they get. Even his peers —active and former NBA players —have a lot to say about him.
To be frank, one of the major reason why he’s constantly under fire has nothing to do with how he looks on the court. In 2020, Gobert —then with the Utah Jazz —didn’t take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously. He carelessly and purposely rubbed his hands over microphones and his teammates belongings. Days later, he was diagnosed with COVID, prompting the NBA to shut down the season.
After that incident, Gobert was a pariah. Whether or not it’s fair, his arrogance or ignorance —whichever led to his actions —have made him highly unpopular. Yet, there are also legitimate on-court criticisms the 32-year-old faces. The Frenchman’s primary problem is that, in a league that’s become more reliant on the 3-ball and spacing, he’s being phased out.
Timberwolves President Tim Connelly Addresses Rudy Gobert’s Future
A traditional shot-blocker who is at his best defending the paint, Gobert’s choppy footwork makes him vulnerable to shifty ball-handlers. Drafted in 2013, Gobert entered a league with plenty of quality scorers in the backcourt. However, as the analytics age hadn’t reached its zenith, a lot of points were generated inside the arc. That obviously works to Gobert’s benefit. Indeed, he started getting Defensive Player of the Year votes as early as his second season.
Now, many teams have five starters that can shoot the 3-ball. This places more pressure on Gobert to guard on the perimeter while taking him away from his strength. The result isn’t always bad, but his lowlights are ugly.
Despite Gobert’s struggles, Timberwolves president Tim Connelly says that they’d “like Rudy to be here for a long time,” per KSTP Sports reporter Darren Wolfson.
“We love his agent. He’s been a friend for a long time and is one of the best guys in the league.
…Our goal with most of these guys is to keep them here as long as they want to be here… Ideally, I think continuity is going to be one of the better strengths we have going into the season and we really like our core group.”
Interestingly, part of Connelly’s focus was on Gobert’s agent, Comsport’s Bouna Ndiaye. Ndiaye representing several French players, including San Antonio Spurs building block Victor Wembanyama. With that being said, Connelly’s comments could be diplomatic, the executive keeping an eye on the big picture. Whether he’s employed with the Timberwolves or with another franchise, having a good relationship with Ndiaye could benefit him in the future.
Trust, Communication, Chemistry
Connelly’s comments about continuity are also important. Trust, communication, and chemistry don’t always show up on a stat sheet but they’re invaluable for championship teams. As it relates to Gobert, the locker room leader doesn’t have a problem acknowledging where and how his team can improve. His experience, IQ, and vocality help him anchor the defense.
Gobert still has work to do so far as defending perimeter players, even if he improved last season. He may never be beloved league-wide, especially when the ‘cool’ thing to do is to bag on him. Nonetheless, he was and is a smart acquisition by the Timberwolves. Those who have seen Karl-Anthony Towns’s porous rim-protection should be the first ones to attest to that.
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