Days removed from a blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, new Bucks coach Doc Rivers got real on the top seed in the West and called out all the critics who were hating on last summer’s Rudy Gobert trade.
“I don’t think anyone’s laughing at that trade anymore,” Rivers said, via Sports Illustrated. “They’re just so long, and they play hard, too. Like I was really impressed with that late in the game when they still had their starters off. They were fighting through screens, they were getting frustrated that AJ (Green) was making shots, you know, it’s a team that you can see that thinks they have a chance.”
On paper, the Wolves have everything they need to win the West. With a young star, a co-star, and a defensive anchor in the middle, there is no doubt that Minnesota has a deep and talented cast of players this season. Even so, the Timberwolves lack the same experience as other Western contenders and they have a track record of flaming out in the most important moments. In fact, through most of the franchise’s history, they’ve been an afterthought in the championship race and relegated to preparing for the draft lottery year after year.
This season is the first time in a long time that the Timberwolves have been relevant in the West and they are making a statement with their continued dominance on the defensive end. Of course, Anthony Edwards is largely to blame for the success, as his performance this season has been truly spectacular with averages of 25.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game on 46.5% shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns has also been great for them, and his stat line of 22 and 8 was enough to get him an All-Star nod for the fourth time in his career. Arguably the biggest difference-maker for the Wolves this season has been Rudy Gobert, who has almost single-handedly kept Minnesota as the best defensive team in the league.
Rudy Gobert Is Proving Everyone Wrong Amid DPOY Campaign
When the Timberwolves traded for Rudy Gobert back in 2022, it was seen as a massive mistake by most fans and analysts. Not only did Minnesota add another center to their cogged frontcourt, but they also traded four first-round picks in the deal, essentially mortgaging their entire future to pick up a 31-year-old big man. To say the deal was controversial would be an understatement, especially since there were people calling it the “worst trade in NBA history.” Coming into this campaign, Gobert’s value was at an all-time low and nobody had high expectations for the Timberwolves, who finished 42-40 last year, in their first year with the star Frenchman.
This recent stretch has been somewhat of a redemption arc for Rudy. While he somehow didn’t make the All-Star team, Gobert is having a great season for Minnesota, with a stat line of 13.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game on 64% shooting. He’s been the best defender in the entire NBA this season and is on track to win his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. All the while, the Timberwolves are thriving with Gobert’s play and have been near the top of the standings all season long. While it’s still too early for any kind of victory lap, Rudy Gobert is well on his way to making his critics look like utter fools and it’s been an amazing sight to see over the past few months.
“Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support”
