Rudy Gobert openly questioned the Timberwolves lack of defensive effort after their loss to the Pelicans, suggesting that coach Chris Finch may need to bench players who do not show urgency or accountability.
Rudy Gobert did not hide his frustration after the Minnesota Timberwolves fell 119-115 to the New Orleans Pelicans, openly suggesting that benching players may be necessary to fix the team's defensive issues.
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The four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year said the lack of effort and urgency has been a recurring problem during his time in Minnesota.
According to Gobert, accountability has been missing, and if players are not holding themselves responsible, the coaching staff may need to step in.
"Just no effort. We've seen that many, many times this year, last few years, since I've been here," Gobert said per Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "We always know it's coming. When it comes there's no sense of urgency, no accountability. So I think at some point, if the players don't have accountability, someone has to have accountability for the players."
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Gobert explained that accountability should start in the locker room, but hinted that tougher coaching decisions could send a stronger message. He specifically pointed to defense as the area where effort cannot be optional, regardless of a player's role or status.
"It should start with ourselves, but it seems like we don't have that, so I think at some point from the coaches, yeah," he added. "It's not an easy position for a coach to take guys out of the game. It's not something that you want to do, but I think if the players don't show any effort, at some point, no matter how talented we are as a team, if you don't have that, you just can't be a winning team."
Despite the loss, the Timberwolves remain sixth in the Western Conference with a 32-21 record.
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