Rudy Gobert's words speak to KAT's irreplaceable intangibles

Before the Karl-Anthony Towns trade that sent him to New York, the July 2022 trade for Rudy Gobert was the most controversial move in recent Wolves history. The trade broke up the fun and exciting core from Minnesota's 2021-22 team that earned the seven seed and gave fans a thrilling first round series against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Dealing away Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley plus the draft picks seemed like an overpay and a big mistake at the time. The move to acquire Gobert was widely panned initially, before it ended up being the biggest reason for the Timberwolves' run to the Western Conference Finals a season later.

All that is to say that Gobert is no stranger to being involved in unique trade circumstances and having to deal with the ramifications of a blockbuster deal that radically changed his team's roster. In a way, he understands exactly what KAT is going through right now.

When Rudy first arrived in Minnesota, it was also the first time he had changed teams in his career, and there were undoubtedly a lot of uncertainties surrounding his new life. This week, as Towns' return to Target Center loomed, Rudy spoke on his camaraderie with KAT and what his relationship with the former Timberwolves big man means to him.

KAT's personal connection helped Gobert more than anything

"It's been amazing. Always, from day one, he always told me that whatever I need, he was always there for me," said Gobert. "He really made it fun for me to get here in the new organization. We started connecting really well outside of the floor also. I felt like he really truly wanted to see me happy and to see me succeed. And obviously that carries over to the team, the teammates want to see me succeed."

To anyone who knows what Towns' character is like, this should be no surprise. KAT prided himself on personal relationships with his teammates, and his endless off-court work to help the community during his tenure in Minnesota speaks to his level of love for people. Him being there for a newcomer like Rudy obviously made a difference when it came to trying to incorporate the new guy.

We saw the incredible value of Karl-Anthony Towns on the court on Thursday night, and statements like this one from Gobert remind us of his value off the court. As it turns out, intangibles like just being a people person actually make a big difference in a team sport setting. We know that Julius Randle was ultimately KAT's replacement, but one has to think that incorporating a guy like Randle would have been much easier with someone as easy to work with as Towns still around.