Rudy Gobert poised to play pivotal mentor role

The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted two high-upside centers, Joan Beringer with the 17th pick and Rocco Zikarsky with the 45th pick. This strategy raised eyebrows across the league. With these picks, Julius Randle and Naz Reid being extended, many are speculating that Rudy Gobert will be traded before his contract is up in 2028. Nevertheless, Gobert is poised to remain in Minnesota for at least this upcoming season, and he is the perfect mentor for these rookie centers. 

Gobert is the perfect mentor for Joan Beringer and Rocco Zikarsky

Gobert entered the league in a similar position to both players. He was the 27th overall pick and was seen as a project player with high a defensive upside. As a rookie with the Utah Jazz, Gobert didn’t play much, averaging just 9.6 minutes across 45 games. However, in his second season, Gobert played in all 82 games, averaging 26.3 minutes, 8.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, finishing fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting. It’s unlikely that Beringer or Zikarsky will develop this quickly, and it’s worth noting that Gobert entered the league at 21, not 18. Regardless, Gobert provides a blueprint for these big men to pan out. 

Beringer has a better chance of reaching this Gobert-like ceiling. The athletic 6-foot-11 center wreaks havoc as a shot blocker with his 7-foot-4 wingspan. Notably, Beringer averaged 1.5 blocks in the ABA league. Learning from Gobert will help Beringer understand some of the nuances of NBA defense. Regardless, Beringer has the physical tools and instincts to make a strong impact defensively. He also projects to play a similar role as Gobert offensively as a lob threat and rim runner. 

Beringer has the tools to be a bit more switchable than Gobert. Nevertheless, learning from an all-time great rim protector who has a similar offensive role will benefit Beringer. After being drafted, Beringer enthusiastically said he wants to immediately start practicing with Gobert. Similarly, Rudy congratulated Beringer and welcomed him to the team.

Beringer’s eagerness to learn from Rudy and Gobert's willingness to teach him will be advantageous. Zikarsky projects to be a drop coverage rim protector like Gobert with a similar role as a lob threat offensively. Undoubtedly, Gobert’s presence will help Zikarsky as well.

While many people speculated that drafting Beringer and Zikarsky would lead to the end of Rudy’s tenure with the Wolves, it’s important to note they are both just 18. The vision is for them to learn behind Gobert for at least a year or two before possibly taking over his role.

Still, with Gobert being 33, it's wise to think of future plans for him. He is also a consummate professional who will happily teach these two young centers the ropes. From a playstyle and professional standpoint, Gobert is perfectly equipped to mentor both players.