A Rookie Calling Out Rudy Gobert! Is He Really That Bad?

Recently, the basketball world was stirred by surprising comments from Dallas Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II and former Mavericks player Theo Pinson. During a podcast, they discussed Rudy Gobert, the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY). Lively bluntly remarked that players who are regularly featured in posters, television ads, and commercials "absolutely deserve to be on the court." Pinson, picking up on the point, said, “A perfect example: Rudy Gobert. He has no reason to be on the floor.” Lively doubled down: “None, zero.” The pair continued to critique Gobert, mocking the hefty $40-50 million annual salary he commands, with Pinson saying, "If I were Gobert, I’d figure out how to play the game of basketball."

To add to the criticism, former NBA player and three-time DPOY Dwight Howard recently shared his thoughts on Gobert, stating, "I don’t think he deserves the DPOY awards he’s won." Howard acknowledged Gobert as a "great team defender" but argued that the accolades overstate his defensive prowess, suggesting that Gobert’s physical attributes made him seem better than his actual performance warranted.

While it's understandable that Howard, with his own decorated defensive career, might hold strong opinions on the matter, what about a rookie like Lively calling out Gobert? Lively's Dallas Mavericks did eliminate Gobert’s Minnesota Timberwolves in last season’s playoffs, but does that give him the authority to critique one of the league’s top defenders? And more importantly, is Rudy Gobert truly as overrated as some claim?

Gobert Under Fire: Is the Criticism Fair?

Gobert, who has long been recognized for his defensive abilities, faced intense scrutiny during the 2022-23 NBA season. High-profile moments where he was outplayed—like Luka Dončić hitting a game-winner in his face during Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals—fueled criticism. Additionally, Gobert was benched for long stretches during Game 5 of that same series, raising questions about his value in critical moments.

His struggles didn’t stop at the NBA. Gobert's performance at the Olympics for Team France also became a talking point. Although he was a key starter during the group stage, he was largely sidelined during the knockout rounds, playing just 4, 5, and 12 minutes in France's last three games. Remarkably, without Gobert playing a major role, France upset Canada and Germany and nearly defeated Team USA in the final. These instances have undoubtedly led fans and analysts to question his effectiveness, contributing to a growing narrative that Gobert might be overrated.

A Look at Gobert's Strengths and Weaknesses

Despite the criticism, Gobert’s numbers tell a different story. During the 2022-23 regular season, Gobert averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game. He finished second in the NBA in rebounds and sixth in blocks, while shooting a staggering 66.1% from the field. His ability to finish around the rim and protect the paint remains elite.

On the defensive end, Gobert's value is undeniable. He anchors defensive schemes with his rim protection, a fact borne out by advanced stats. When Gobert was on the court last season, the Timberwolves outscored opponents by 8.0 points per 100 possessions. When he was off the floor, that number dropped to 3.0. His cumulative plus-minus of +411 was the second-highest on the team, just behind rising star Anthony Edwards (+432) and ahead of Karl-Anthony Towns (+321). These numbers highlight Gobert’s impact, especially in a team context where his presence on defense can dramatically alter the game.

In the postseason, despite all the criticism, Gobert's performance held up reasonably well. The Timberwolves reached the Western Conference Finals, where Gobert averaged 12.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game on 61.5% shooting. His true shooting percentage was an impressive 65.2%. Although there were games where Gobert was benched or struggled in certain matchups, the Timberwolves’ overall playoff success cannot be dismissed. With Gobert on the floor, Minnesota scored 119.1 points per 100 possessions and had a net rating of +9.8. When he sat, their scoring plummeted to 102.9 points per 100 possessions, with a net rating of -6.3. Gobert’s cumulative postseason plus-minus was +95, the highest on the team.

While one game’s plus-minus might be misleading, these numbers over the course of 15 playoff games are hard to ignore. They paint the picture of a player who significantly impacts winning, even if his highlight reel might not always show it.

Breaking Down Minnesota's Playoff Run

Looking closer at Minnesota’s playoff journey, Gobert’s impact was clear. In the first round, the Timberwolves swept the Phoenix Suns, a team led by superstars Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker. None of those elite scorers went off, in large part due to Gobert’s rim protection. Gobert’s ability to contest shots and deter drives allowed the Timberwolves’ perimeter defenders to be more aggressive, knowing they had Gobert as a safety net.

In the second round against the Denver Nuggets, Gobert played a key role in neutralizing Jamal Murray, who struggled throughout the series. The Timberwolves’ strategy involved Towns guarding Nikola Jokić one-on-one, while Gobert provided help defense to disrupt both Jokić and cutters like Aaron Gordon. This scheme was instrumental in Minnesota’s ability to stifle the Nuggets' potent offense, even if the series was tightly contested.

The Western Conference Finals against Dallas Mavericks proved to be the end of the road for the Timberwolves. While they lost the series, it’s worth noting that Minnesota pushed the Mavericks in every game, with multiple contests coming down to the final minutes. Dončić and Kyrie Irving, two of the best offensive players in the league, ultimately proved too much for the Timberwolves to handle. But as New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson pointed out, “I don’t think anyone on this planet can guard Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. But did Gobert change the defense? Absolutely. When you break past the initial defender and see Gobert in the paint, you hesitate. You think, ‘What can I do to get this shot off?’ That’s what he brings on defense.”

This acknowledgment of Gobert’s impact from an opponent who knows the game well speaks volumes. Even though Gobert may struggle in switch-heavy defenses against elite perimeter players, his ability to protect the paint remains unmatched. Expecting him to contain the likes of Dončić or Irving is unrealistic—those players are virtually unguardable. But to dismiss Gobert’s defensive impact entirely is a disservice to his game.

Gobert's Role Moving Forward

With all the outside criticism, it's important to recognize that the Timberwolves organization still values Gobert. Minnesota’s President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly, recently praised Gobert, saying, “We want Rudy to be here for a long time. We love his agent—he’s an old friend of ours and one of the best people in the business. We really like our core.”

While Gobert’s critics may be vocal—even including a rookie like Lively—the Timberwolves don’t seem to share that opinion. Connelly’s comments, however, do hint at a possible renegotiation of Gobert’s contract. While paying $40 million a year for Gobert might not be worth it, a reduced salary in the $25-30 million range could be a more reasonable price for a player of his caliber.

This summer, Gobert finds himself at a crossroads. His reputation may have taken a hit, but the numbers and advanced stats suggest that his ability to anchor a defense remains elite. However, the Timberwolves' future likely rests more on the shoulders of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. For Minnesota to take the next step, they’ll need to figure out how to maximize Gobert’s defensive strengths while building a more potent offensive attack.

As the new season approaches, it will be fascinating to see how Gobert responds to the criticism and whether the Timberwolves can further evolve into legitimate contenders.