Rudy Gobert is only getting older, and the Minnesota Timberwolves don’t have a replacement on the roster just yet. Tim Bontemps and Kevin Pelton of ESPN recently wrote about the Wolves’ tricky situation:
“Minnesota, meanwhile, is one of the trickier teams to classify. Franchise player Anthony Edwards will spend another season on our top 25 players under 25 list, which doesn't exactly scream "win now." But the Wolves have traded most of their draft capital to keep this team together, are butting up against the salary cap's second apron and must figure out eventual replacements for both Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert, whose arrivals have helped lift Minnesota to back-to-back appearances in the Western Conference finals.”
As they noted, having to replace Mike Conley will be difficult, but Gobert’s skill set will be much harder to replicate.
What will Wolves lose in Rudy Gobert?
For most of his career, Gobert has been a very controversial player. Some see his playoff liabilities as more of a problem than a benefit. He struggles on the perimeter and can be a non-factor on offense at times.
But his defensive talent cannot be denied. He’s the best interior defender of this generation, and teams with him in the middle of the floor are almost always a top-five defense in the NBA.
Having Gobert at center is great for the Wolves, who have built a great defensive lineup with him, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and others. They have incredible defenders up and down the roster.
Minnesota does have a few potential replacement options in town, but none seem likely to give them what Gobert does at any point in the near future.
Naz Reid is a great big man option, but he’s nowhere near the defender Gobert is. He’s an elite offensive talent and gives the Wolves a nice switch-up from Gobert, but he can’t replace the Frenchman.
Rookie Joan Beringer looked incredible at Summer League in limited minutes, but he’s still a very raw prospect. Gobert is 33 years old and only has so many years left of high-quality basketball.
The Timberwolves need to find options to help replace the defense that Gobert brings to the table or consider switching up the way they play.
For now, they’re fine. Gobert is still one of the best rim protectors in the NBA. But he won’t be around forever. And finding a new defensive-minded big man to pair with Edwards should be toward the top of their to-do list. (Although Beringer is a nice start.)