When the Minnesota Timberwolves traded for Rudy Gobert in the summer of 2022, many were perplexed because they ran a two-center lineup with Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Since then, Gobert has become a barometer for the team's success because of his impact on defense and his underrated offensive contributions. In the 2024-25 season, Gobert has become a tad underrated, but he remains impactful.
In the 210 regular season games Gobert has played for the Timberwolves, the team has a 123-87 record. That is a superb 58.6% win percentage, which shows how impactful he is.
Defensively, he is an imposing big man in the paint, smothering everyone who dares enter. On the other side, Rudy has become more impactful due to his improved chemistry with the rest of the team.
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The Awesome Dynamic Between Gobert and Randle
As soon as Towns was traded to the New York Knicks for a package that had Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, many were skeptical about the frontcourt. Randle is not a floor spacer like KAT, which could make their offensive fit weird.
Despite the wonky fit after the trade, Randle and Gobert have formed a strong partnership in the frontcourt. That is huge for the Timberwolves because their inside presence could help them beat almost every team.
Rudy Gobert dunk, created by the Mike Conley + Julius Randle PnR pic.twitter.com/0lqtpogvRk
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) March 29, 2025
Randle has done a great job of conducting the offense as an improved playmaker, and he has told Gobert where to position himself to make the most significant offensive impact.
""I tell him all the time, Rudy get to the dunker. If you get to the dunker, I'm gonna find you," Randle said about his dynamic with Rudy. "He flattens the defense out, goes to the bottom of the floor, he rolls, and collapses the defense. Even if he does not get it, it's a positive for the team. He gotta keep playing with that energy, and we know what he does defensively."
The Timberwolves Know Gobert Is An X-Factor
Everyone acknowledges that the Timberwolves are Anthony Edwards' team. However, he needs a supporting cast that could help him become a contender. They have some of the best pieces in the league, including Gobert.
I thought Rudy Gobert really tapped into the psyche of this Timberwolves team.
"We are our biggest opponent." pic.twitter.com/zo6ed3hpwd
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) March 29, 2025
The Frenchman's defensive impact is nearly unmatched, but his offensive capabilities could raise the team's level.
"When Rudy's playing his ball, that's when we all playing our best ball, to be honest. That's when our team really functions the way it's supposed to function," Conley said after the win against Phoenix.
That was evident during the 2023-24 season when they were going for the number one seed all season, but this year has been a bit rocky. March has been a great month for the Timberwolves, especially during that eight-game winning streak.
Gobert should play a big part in this team's success for the rest of the regular season. The Playoffs will be another test for him and the team, but he is playing extremely well, so he needs to prove his consistency.
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This story was originally published March 29, 2025 at 1:41 AM.