Rudy Gobert's offseason focus should delight Timberwolves fans

Rudy Gobert is working on improving his offesnive game this summer.
Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) warms up before a game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) warms up before a game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

At 33 years old, most NBA players don’t make massive improvements. However, Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert is focusing on mastering his footwork and learning quicker reads. Gobert is working with Chris Matthews, better known as Lethal Shooter, to improve this aspect of his game. Matthews noted this focus for Gobert and other centers he’s worked with on a recent social media post. 

Undoubtedly, Gobert’s offensive footwork and decision-making are key areas of growth. While it’s unclear how much Gobert can improve in this area, it’s nice to see he’s working on improving a key weakness. 

Gobert is looking to improve his main weaknesses

Despite Gobert’s historically elite defense, his offense has always been somewhat of a weak point. Gobert’s poor hands, awkward footwork, and questionable decision-making are central to his current shortcomings. Oftentimes, Gobert looks a step too slow, especially as a decision-maker. Gobert will never be an offensive hub, but sometimes it looks like he’s stuck deciding between whether to score or pass. 

These flaws were on full display in the playoffs, where Gobert averaged 7.9 points, 0.7 assists, and 0.9 turnovers. For someone with limited offensive responsibilities, averaging more turnovers than assists is a major concern. Gobert’s offensive skill set gave opposing defenses a key advantage, especially the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

In addition to improving as a decision-maker, developing better footwork would open up significant opportunities for Gobert as a scorer. The vast majority of Gobert’s shots are open looks under the basket, and he takes advantage of these as his 67.3 true shooting percentage is the best in league history. 

However, Gobert shot just 58.2 percent from the field in the playoffs, and in the regular season, 65.9 percent of his made field goals were dunks. Furthermore, Gobert shot an abysmal 23.7 percent (18-76) on shots outside of the restricted area this past season.

Improving his footwork would make Gobert a more versatile scorer. This would allow him to be comfortable attacking the rim or finding a shot when he’s positioned outside of the restricted area. Even if he doesn't expand his range as a scorer, improved footwork could massively benefit Gobert.

Gobert's improvements would benefit the Wolves

In the modern NBA, it’s hard to have a player with such a limited offensive skill set. This is especially true in playoff settings where teams don’t have to focus as much on Gobert, allowing them to contain Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle more effectively. If Gobert can improve in these weaknesses, the Wolves would undoubtedly move closer to their championship goals.

Overall, Gobert focusing on these improvements is a wise choice for his career and could change the Timberwolves' outlook. It’s fair to wonder if Gobert can make these improvements heading into his 13th season and why he is now just focusing on this aspect of his game. Nevertheless, you have to commend his efforts, and working with a respected trainer like Matthews could be a difference maker.