Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert holds air of legendary Kevin Garnett

There have been a lot of speculation and projections about how well the Minnesota Timberwolves will play this year following the acquisition of former Utah Jazz All-Star center Rudy Gobert. Perhaps just as importantly, the questions and speculations have also turned to how well Rudy Gobert will perform for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Of course, speculating and projecting is not knowledge, nor can it be expected to be that when Gobert has yet to play a single NBA game for the Timberwolves.

But one of the more fascinating bits of projecting how Rudy Gobert will improve the Timberwolves is this rather insightful comparison of Gobert meticulously communicating how the Minnesota Timberwolves defense will operate, much as legendary Timberwolves Kevin Garnett used to do years ago:

Perhaps that is the key difference between very good NBA players and elite NBA players. Very good NBA players know what they must do and then go out and do it. Elite NBA players know what everyone around them must do, and then go out and not only perform but help to elevate the game of everyone around them.

The Timberwolves are awfully chatty about how good this team will be on defense this season. As far as Rudy Gobert? He has no need of making bold claims or boast about what has yet to take place. He knows that he has been, is, and will be an elite NBA defensive force.

Now, the trick is, can he replicate the ability of Timberwolves’ great Kevin Garnett and help to improve the level of play among the players on the basketball court with him? The Timberwolves front office is betting that he can and priced his value in the trade with the Utah Jazz to reflect that expectation.

Now, it’s all a matter of delivering to meet those expectations. Based on his calm demeanor and early reports, that could very likely be the case.