Rudy Gobert notices NBA refs call Timberwolves games differently
By Bret Stuter
When Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert played for his former team, the Utah Jazz, the Jazz were consistently competing in the NBA Playoffs each year. That reputation as perennial playoffs-bound took a great deal of work to achieve and sustain. But, it also had its perks.
One of the perks of being an NBA perennial playoff powerhouse is the fact that the game is simply called differently. Whether it’s that extra step with the basketball in your hands that is traveling for anyone else or the physical positioning under the basket that gets whistled, the results are the same.
And now that he is with the Timberwolves, center Rudy Gobert is noticing the difference:
Asked Rudy Gobert how he assessed the team's defense overall for the series. He said he liked how they competed.
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) April 26, 2023
But he also said he struggled to know what was and was not a foul in the series. He gave a big long answer on that. Here's the whole thing... pic.twitter.com/UACDAJF6iC
That can pose a problem for the Minnesota Timberwolves for now. Since this team is one of the non-playoff teams that is suddenly appearing in post-season competition, they will be fighting an uphill battle against the odds. And based on what we witnessed against the Denver Nuggets in Round 1 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, the Timberwolves need a level playing field.
But help is on the way. After all, the Timberwolves were not exactly at full strength when facing the Nuggets. Not only was the Timberwolves roster shy of one backup center in Naz Reid, but the entire starting lineup and rotation were skewed due to the inability of starting small forward Jaden McDaniel’s ability to suit up.
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The Timberwolves will be back to compete in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, and this time they will be ready. Not only will the Timberwolves roster be healthier and more comfortable competing with one another, but they will be ready for those quick whistles. After all, they have to prove that they belong among the NBA’s perennial playoff powerhouses.