Minnesota Timberwolves are getting the ball to C Rudy Gobert
By Brennan Sims
The Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star center Rudy Gobert is fresh off a 20/20 game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Through 6 games, the defensive stalwart is averaging 15.0 points per game and 15.2 rebounds per game. He’s currently leading the league in rebounds. While these are similar numbers to his last season in Utah, the process is a little different.
The Utah Jazz ran a lot of spread pick and roll with Gobert a season ago and rightfully so. Gobert is one of the best vertical spacers in basketball, and defenses have to respect his presence and stay home to prevent the easy lob. The Timberwolves run spread pick and rolls to utilize Rudy as well but they are a much more versatile offense. The Timberwolves try to play with the flow to keep all five players on the floor engaged on offense.
Coach Finch handiwork
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch loves to start possessions with D’Angelo Russell (DLo) starting at the top of the key followed by a pass to Gobert. While DLo receives a screen from Karl-Anthony Towns, Gobert usually flows into a dribble handoff action with Russell after said screen. Even though that action isn’t necessarily for Gobert to score, the idea of keeping him involved in the offense is key here. Coaches will tell you players play harder on both sides of the ball when they’re getting touches on offense.
Through six games, Gobert is averaging 51.5 touches per game according to NBA.com. That number is approximately 17.8 more touches than he received last year in Salt Lake City (33.7). That’s significant.
The proof is in the number and in the film. The Timberwolves are making a conscious effort to get Gobert the ball. He has the freedom to face up and dribble to the rim in Minnesota. That may not be the most efficient offense due to Gobert’s lack of post moves and footwork but it’s a way to get him more comfortable in the offense.
With more touches, Gobert shouldn’t feel like he won’t get the ball back if he passes it on a given possession. Getting Gobert the ball more can be beneficial.