Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert is mainly known for his defensive impact. In many ways, this is rightfully so, as he is a historically great rim protector. However, Gobert's offensive impact can be glossed over at times. He's not an elite two-way threat or self-creator. One area that goes overlooked with Gobert's offensive skill is his connective screening.
Notably, Gobert's 4.8 screen assists per game ranked second in the NBA last season. Gobert accounted for just over 55 percent of the Wolves' screen assists. Since being traded to the Wolves, Gobert has ranked in the top three in screen assists and led the league in screen assists in the year before landing in Minnesota. Gobert is fundamentally sound as a screener, and his 7-foot-1 frame makes it difficult for defenders to recover after being screened by him.
Let's be honest, screening is an easy area of basketball to overlook, since it's not flashy. Nevertheless, that doesn't change the fact that it's highly impactful. Undoubtedly, Gobert, being one of the best screeners in the NBA, has helped the Wolves significantly.
Gobert's screening is crucial to the Wolves' success
The Wolves ranked eighth in offensive rating last season. Of course, Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and the Wolves' deep bench were the main reasons for this ranking. However, Gobert's screening certainly benefited the Wolves as well. Gobert's screening both on and off the ball helped Edwards grow as a 3-point shooter.
The stifle tower is capable of running pick-and-rolls with Edwards or any other Wolves ball handler. Gobert is also super active as an off-ball screener; this connective ability is central to his offensive skill set. Notably, the Wolves ranked fourth in the league in points on off-screen plays last season. This is a clear testament to Gobert's screening.
Gobert's offensive game isn't flashy by any means. Regardless, screen setting is a vital part of a big man's role, and Gobert screens at an elite level. For all the talk about how Gobert has elevated the Wolves' defense, it's also worth noting how he's benefited the offense. Yes, he's not a star on offense, but an elite screener and efficient rim scorer is an ideal big man to complement Ant.
At 33, there's some concern about whether Gobert will take another step back offensively, especially after declining as a scorer last season. Nevertheless, screening is an area of Gobert's game that won't decline with age and will always make him impactful.