Timberwolves' solution to Rudy Gobert conundrum is crystal clear

It's no secret that Rudy Gobert is an elite rim protector who elevates the Minnesota Timberwolves' defense. During the 2023-24 season, the "Stifle Tower" won his fourth Defensive Player of the Year and anchored the NBA's best defense. 

The Wolves maintained a high-level defense last season, ranking sixth in defensive rating. However, one key difference was the defense when Gobert was off the court. In the 2023-24 season, the Wolves posted a 111.3 defensive rating, which is equivalent to the NBA's second-best defense with Gobert off the court. Last season, with Rudy on the court, they posted a 108.6 DRTG (equivalent of second), but just a 116.3 DRTG (equivalent of 20th) with him off the court. 

Undoubtedly, maintaining a high-level defense when Rudy isn't on the court will be vital to the Timberwolves this season. During a recent appearance on the Dane Moore Podcast, Jace Frederick offered the perfect solution to this dilemma. 

"It's the most obvious Rudy's off the court solution in the world to me. We're going to put Jaden [McDaniels] in a position where he is a low man very consistently, when Rudy's off the court. And Jaylen Clark is going to be our point-of-attack defender. And I think that solves a lot of issues," Frederick explained. 

Using McDaniels as a low man makes too much sense

Frederick's solution makes a lot of sense in my eyes. Now, this wouldn't mean McDaniels would be playing the five, as Naz Reid or Julius Randle would assume this role. Regardless, McDaniels could help protect the rim and roam off the ball positioned near the baseline. 

Frankly, McDaniels is far better suited for this low-man role than Reid or Randle. While McDaniels is an elite on-ball defender, he also wreaks havoc off the ball, something the Wolves must lean into when Gobert is off the court. Impressively, McDaniels ranked in the 97th percentile, posting 1.4 blocks per 100 possessions and averaging 2.2 stocks per game.

Undoubtedly, this skill set makes McDaniels perfectly equipped to take on low-man duties. When McDaniels and Gobert are on the court, McDaniels can still be used on the ball. Nonetheless, when Rudy is off the court, using McDaniels in an off-ball role makes a lot of sense.

The other piece of Frederick's solution that's crucial is Jaylen Clark taking on point-of-attack duties. McDaniels typically guards the opponent's best perimeter player, and he's an elite on-ball defender. However, to keep the defense afloat with Rudy, using McDaniels in more of an off-ball role would be logical. 

Clark is well-equipped to defend elite stars, which would help McDaniels slide into this off-ball defense role. Anthony Edwards and Terrence Shannon Jr. taking strides defensively would also be beneficial. Nevertheless, the Wolves need to find a way to field a competent defense when Gobert is off the floor, and using McDaniels in a different role seems to be the easiest solution.