Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert proving defensive dominance

Taking chances does not mean instant success

Did the Minnesota Timberwolves take a chance when the team traded for Rudy Gobert? Of course. But please, stop trying to equate a roster that is only now starting to come together as a team drowning in futility for years to come.  NBA Draft picks are certainly no sure thing, nor are the players who arrive at the NBA a perfect fit each and every time.

The truth is that the Minnesota Timberwolves landed one of the best centers in the NBA today. He is already showing up, not only in changing the way opponents try to score points against the Timberwolves but in shutting them down at critical moments to ensure a Timberwolves victory.

If you can, be patient. If you can’t be patient, at least be less critical. The Minnesota Timberwolves may not be ‘there’ yet, but they are getting there. This team will learn a great deal about itself by the conclusion of its current five-game road trip. And in the process, will learn just how valuable the presence of Rudy Gobert can be.

It’s all about the NBA Playoffs

The Minnesota Timberwolves may not be at the level of the Boston Celtics (21-5) or Milwaukee Bucks (19-6) just yet. But this is the last team to hand the Memphis Grizzlies (17-9) a loss. And the Timberwolves are not playing their best basketball yet, not by a long shot. In the end, it’s not the regular season record that defines the postseason success of an NBA team. It’s merely the prerequisite to get an invitation to that professional basketball post-season tournament.

I like how the Minnesota Timberwolves are constructed right now, as a whole. Will this team do some tweaking to the roster before the NBA Trade Deadline? Perhaps. But don’t look for wholesale roster makeovers anytime soon. The team was built to win in the NBA Playoffs. That is why this team wanted and acquired Rudy Gobert. It only makes sense to wait and see how that all plays out in the postseason this year.