Timberwolves must utilize an underrated element of Rudy Gobert's game to topple the Spurs

Everyone is focused on Rudy Gobert's defense and understandably so after his historically great defensive series against Nikola Jokic. Without a doubt, Gobert being able to replicate this success against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs will be crucial.

However, the Wolves will also need his offensive impact, which is a reasonable concern given Wemby's elite rim protection and Gobert's offense not being his strong suit. In addition to going up against the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, the Spurs ranked fourth in defensive rating overall.

Last series, Gobert averaged 7.7 points and 3 assists while shooting 52.8 percent from the field. In the midst of all the tremendous excitement about the Wolves' Game 6 win, Gobert's eight assists got lost. Nevertheless, it was a key reason why they won, and leaning into Gobert's playmaking could help the Wolves overcome the uphill battle they're facing against Wemby and the Spurs.

Most of Gobert's Game 6 assists came on dribble-hand-offs, but he also showed some nice versatility as a short-roll passer, including on this beautiful wrap-around pass to Terrence Shannon Jr.

The Timberwolves have to utilize Rudy Gobert's passing

Listen, Gobert isn't going to average eight assists, but utilizing him as a hand-off and short-roll passer is an easy way to get him involved in the offense.

Gobert's involvement in the offense has been a tricky balance all season long. In the regular season, they were 8.4 points worse per 100 possessions with Gobert on the floor. This number is due to Gobert's offensive deficiencies and his teammates' inability to trust him. Unfortunately, against the Spurs, it's fair to expect him to struggle scoring around the rim.

The Wolves must find a way to involve him in their offense, though. Gobert is too valuable to the Wolves' defense for his offense to limit his role.

While Gobert has struggled with turnovers at times this series, in general, his passing out of short-roll situations and on hand-offs have been pretty solid this season.

Gobert's passing makes the Wolves less predictable and forces the Spurs to guard him. Beyond this, though, using Gobert as a hand-off hub helps negate his lack of spacing and empowers the Wolves to operate more from the perimeter. His short-roll passing is a much-needed element to neutralize Wemby's rim protection.

Gobert's passing is an even more vital element of the Wolves' offense, given that Anthony Edwards will likely miss at least the start of this series. As such, the Wolves must find ways to diversify their offense, and leaning into Gobert's playmaking is one wrinkle they need to utilize as they did against the Nuggets, especially in Game 6.

Ultimately, while Gobert's playmaking is far from the most notable storyline heading into this series, it could end up being a difference maker in the Wolves' ability to navigate an elite Spurs' defense.

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