The Minnesota Timberwolves gave up a massive haul to land Rudy Gobert in 2022. They needed a defensive anchor and were eager to try to jump into title contention. The Wolves had made the playoffs just twice in 18 seasons but knew Anthony Edwards was blossoming into a star. Minnesota put themselves into a difficult cap position, which was made worse by the new CBA. It did not matter if Gobert delivered in Minnesota.
The Timberwolves have made three straight playoff appearances, including last season’s run to the conference finals. Gobert has drawn plenty of criticism, but he has delivered the rim-protection, rebounding, and shot-blocking Minnesota needed. It has been a bit of a rough start to this season, but the franchise is in a familiar spot.
Jazz fans know well that Gobert consistently produces on the defensive end, but his impact carries over to the entire team. Defense will continue to be Minnesota’s calling card, and Gobert has them positioned for another top-ten finish.
Rudy Gobert always anchors a top-10 defense
The hallmark of a championship contender is finishing in the top ten in offensive and defensive rating. Having Rudy Gobert all but guarantees one of those. The Timberwolves are currently sixth on defense allowing 108.3 points per 100 possessions. Over the last ten games, Minnesota tops the league at 102.2.
This is nothing new for Gobert. Minnesota led the league in 2024 but made a blockbuster trade just before the season. Fans were worried Julius Randle would sink their elite defense, but they should have known better. Utah supporters were not chiming in, but they had the answer.
Gobert’s team has finished outside the top ten in defensive rating just once since 2016. In the decade he has been a full-time starter, 2020 is the only season they did not. That was an uneven season in Utah disrupted by the pandemic. Every other year, Gobert’s team has been top ten and often in the top three. The personnel around him changes, but the four-time Defensive Player of the Year is just that impactful.
Minnesota must figure it out on offense to be a serious contender. They are 15-14 after their Christmas Day victory over Dallas. The Wolves sit ninth in the West and do not want to go through the Play-In Tournament. Finding the right balance and shot selection is the top priority. If Minnesota can become a middle-of-the-pack offense, they are a difficult matchup for any team in the playoffs.
Rudy Gobert will be locking down the paint. The Minnesota Timberwolves will finish in the top five in defensive rating and have a superstar to carry them on the other end. It won’t be easy, but expect the front office to explore upgrades before the deadline. Having Gobert is a luxury, and the Wolves cannot take it for granted.