Rudy Gobert has long been recognized as one of the premier defensive players in the NBA, boasting an impressive four Defensive Player of the Year awards and eight All-Defensive team selections. However, his offensive skills have often come under scrutiny. This season, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has observed a notable improvement in Gobert’s offensive game.
Edwards praised Gobert’s offensive performance after a recent victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, stating, “He’s been phenomenal. His catching has gotten tremendous. It’s crazy. He’s catching everything now. He’s making the right plays every time we hit him in the pocket. The trust there has gotten a lot better. He talks to you and communicates with you about everything he sees.” This marks Gobert’s fourth season with the Timberwolves, and he appears to be playing at his best.
Edwards emphasized the camaraderie and mutual respect on the team, saying, “You can tell he’s been watching film. Somebody like that, I love to play with because he’s willing to grow and accept coaching, and I accept coaching from each other, the criticism we give each other. I love big Ru.”
Despite the impressive accolades, Gobert’s individual statistics reflect a different narrative. Currently averaging 11.3 points per game, which is the lowest figure since his third season, he has also seen a decrease in screen assists, down to 4.1 from 4.8 last season. While his dunks per game have declined, his shooting efficiency has reached a career-high of 72%. However, Gobert is taking fewer shots compared to previous seasons.
Importantly, while his individual numbers might not reflect significant improvement, the overall offensive performance of the Timberwolves has surged. The five-man rotation featuring Gobert, Edwards, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, and Donte DiVincenzo is statistically among the best in the league. This unit has logged the most minutes together and boasts the sixth highest net rating at 13.3, alongside a commendable offensive rating of 123.2.
Moreover, the partnership between Gobert and Edwards has flourished, as evidenced by their 118.3 offensive rating and 7.8 net rating, coupled with a pace of 101.23. To put it into perspective, last season, they recorded a 114.9 offensive rating and a 6.6 net rating with a slower pace of 97.65.
The evolving synergy between Edwards and Gobert, combined with their individual growth, has propelled the Timberwolves into a competitive position within the Western Conference. This development not only enhances the team’s dynamics but also fosters a promising outlook for the remainder of the season.