Despite another heroic scoring outburst from Anthony Edwards, scoring a game-high 47 points, the Minnesota Timberwolves suffered their first loss of the season in overtime to the Cleveland Cavaliers. While there are lots of things that could have been better during the game, Rudy Gobert's struggles on offense top the list.
It's only been four games, but it's been a rough start for Gobert offensively, even though many thought the addition of LaMelo Ball could unlock him. Over four games, he's averaged 8 points and 14.3 rebounds on 43.5 percent from the field and 50 percent from the line.
For context, the last time Gobert shot less than 60 percent from the field in a season was in the 2016-17 season, so his offensive start to the season is significantly below his standard. His disastrous performance against Cleveland further shows that he needs to take better advantage of the opportunities he's given.
Rudy Gobert can't continue to be a non-factor offensively
Against the Cavaliers, in 36 minutes, Gobert finished with 5 points on 0-for-9 shooting, 5-for-8 from the free-throw line, and 20 rebounds. The rebounding numbers and the interior defense have been incredibly encouraging so far, but the scoring just hasn't.
Out of those nine shot attempts, not a lot of them were tough looks (outside of the two 3-pointers). He missed a few open left-handed layups and repeatedly dropped pocket passes or got his shot pinned on the glass by the Cavaliers' rim protectors. Joan Beringer was by far more effective offensively, and that shouldn't be the case.
The Wolves are simply going to need more production from Gobert if they want to achieve what they believe they can. He can't continue to give teams a reason to ignore him on offense, and no matter how good the defense is, if the offense is going to continue to struggle this badly, he can't be an option in clutch time.
To be clear, Gobert is not going to shoot 43.5 percent from the field for the season. But out of four total games played, he's been held without a made field goal in two of them. LaMelo is placing the ball exactly where it needs to be; it's just on Rudy to finish the looks that he's spoon-fed.
If it continues to be a large issue, not saying it's likely, but the Wolves could be forced to scour the trade market for Gobert suitors next offseason. This would be if they believe Beringer is ready to take the reins, and they also want to re-sign Jonathan Kuminga long-term. Regardless, the bottom line is that the Timberwolves need more from Gobert on offense.
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