Despite being hailed as one of the league’s premier defenders, Rudy Gobert has often found himself the target of criticism, with many questioning the impact of his on-court contributions. In a recent poll, Gobert was voted the most overrated player in the league by nearly 14 percent of his peers. Even legendary center Shaquille O’Neal has openly dismissed Gobert’s defensive prowess.
So, why the disconnect between Gobert’s accolades and his perceived value among his fellow players? Many point to the 2021 Western Conference Semifinals series between the Utah Jazz, led by Gobert, and the Los Angeles Clippers. After taking an early 2-0 lead in the series, the Clippers adjusted their strategy, employing a five-out offense designed to drag Gobert out of the paint. This resulted in a barrage of open threes for the Clippers, paving the way for a 4-2 series victory.
This disappointing playoff exit cast a shadow over Gobert’s legacy, with many doubting his ability to translate his regular season success to the postseason. After six failed postseasons, the Jazz decided to part ways with Gobert, trading him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for a massive haul of assets. The move was met with skepticism by many, who felt the Timberwolves had overpaid for a player they believed was past his prime.
However, Gobert has proven the doubters wrong this season. The Timberwolves have emerged as one of the league’s top defensive teams, anchored by Gobert’s presence in the paint. They enter the playoffs as the third seed and have taken a commanding 2-0 lead over the Phoenix Suns, the league’s top regular season team.
Unlike in previous playoff appearances, Gobert’s defense has not faltered. He has effectively neutralized the Suns’ perimeter attack, adapting to their five-out strategy and preventing them from generating easy scoring opportunities. The Timberwolves’ improved perimeter defense, led by Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards, has also played a crucial role in their success.
Gobert is eager to rewrite the narrative around his career, proving to his peers and the basketball world that he is an elite defender. With the Timberwolves poised for a deep playoff run, Gobert has the opportunity to silence his critics and cement his legacy as one of the game’s top defensive forces.
