Although Rudy Gobert is a four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner, tied for the most of all time, Minnesota Timberwolves The big man can’t escape criticism for his lack of impact in the NBA playoffs. The latest example came in last season’s Western Conference Finals, when The Dallas Mavericks easily defeated the Timberwolves in five games despite Minnesota’s home-court advantage. The Mavericks made a point of honor dismantle Gobert’s defenseincluding the great man Derek Lively II, who threw a massive dunk on Gobert in Game 3.

After the first poster, Lively returns for a second time this offseason. During an appearance at Nike EYBL, Lively was interviewed by Former Mavericks guard Theo Pinson, who spoke about how players like Gobert only get playing time because of their big contracts.

“Perfect example, [the Mavericks] “He played against the Minnesota Timberwolves. There’s no reason Rudy Gobert should be on that court,” Pinson said.

“Zero,” Lively repeated.

“But you’re paying him about $40 million to $50 million…you better get moving and fix this,” Pinson said.

“And he didn’t,” Lively said.

The snide remarks might be justified because Lively helped eliminate Gobert and the Timberwolves from the playoffs. So far, Gobert hasn’t said anything. So the Minnesota big man could let his game do the talking this season. The first time the Timberwolves and Mavericks meet is Tuesday, Oct. 29, at home. Maybe Gobert will have something to offer Lively when the game starts.

How will the Timberwolves and Rudy Gobert fare this year?

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Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) drives past Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

While Minnesota’s rise may be sudden, the Timberwolves are here to stay thanks to a stellar defense and a bona fide superstar in Anthony Edwards. Heading into the 2024-25 NBA season, a trip to the NBA Finals would be an improvement. While that’s a lofty goal, the Timberwolves were three wins away from such a feat a season ago.

Sure, the Western Conference is a hotly contested competition, but this year won’t be much different than last year for Minnesota. The Timberwolves are a tough opponent to play against with their solid defense and explosive scoring ability. Now that Minnesota is a little more experienced after a long playoff run, they also know what it takes to win on the biggest stage.

That mix of experience and two-way dominance will fuel Minnesota this season. The Timberwolves should be one of the best teams in the NBA. If they meet the Mavericks again, maybe Gobert can shut Lively down once and for all.

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