Charles Barkley sounds off on Rudy Gobert’s trade to Timberwolves: “I hated that trade… Two big dudes out there that can’t guard the 3-point shooters”
Charles Barkley did not hold back his thoughts on the Minnesota Timberwolves trade for Rudy Gobert. The Timberwolves signed him in a mega trade move this offseason.
The Utah Jazz received Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, the draft rights to Walker Kessler (No. 22 pick), the Timberwolves’ unprotected 2023, 2025 and 2027 first-round picks, a 2029 first-round pick (top five protected), and the right to swap first-rounders with Minnesota in 2026.
The trade garnered mixed reactions. Minnesota already have an All-Star big in their ranks, Karl-Anthony Towns. However, they also needed defensive depth and freedom for KAT to play on offense as a three-level scorer.
However, Towns and Rudy Gobert in the same lineup has produced mixed results. The Timberwolves looked shaky defending the perimeter as both players struggled to guard players outside the restricted area. Barkley believes this two-big experiment will not work out. Here's what he said regarding this on TNT's "Inside The NBA" (via Talkin' NBA):
"I hated that trade... It would have been fine in our day. Their flaws are gonna show on the pick and roll but also they can't guard today's game. They're not dominating on either end."
Barkley highlighted that they would have to go through teams like the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and LA Clippers that play smaller lineups that could be useful against the Timberwolves:
"What good is it to have two big dudes out there that can't guard the 3-point shooters?"
"I hated that trade. It would have been fine in [my day]... They can't guard today's game. They’re not dominating on either end."
Charles Barkley on the Timberwolves trading for Rudy Gobert
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The Timberwolves have been a tad inconsistent when Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert are on the floor together. They have a -1.8 net rating. The team does well defensively but has struggled on offense. Towns continues to use his size to attack lanes, but it has only been possible when Gobert is off the floor.
However, they have played just over a handful of games together and have time to improve their chemistry. It was projected to be this way, so the Timberwolves need not hit the panic button yet.
Minnesota Timberwolves have been unpredictable following Rudy Gobert trade
The Minnesota Timberwolves entered the season as arguably the most unpredictable team. They went all in to acquire three-time DPOY Rudy Gobert to bolster their shot at making a finals appearance after ending their playoff drought last year.
However, with a 4-4 record, it's difficult to predict their ceiling. It seems like the Timberwolves will need more time to mesh with their oversized frontcourt lineup of Karl-Anthony Towns and Gobert. The Timberwolves have continued to struggle with some of the issues from last season.
Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns on/off numbers this season.
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A lapse in concentration, lack of intensity on defense and poor decision making have hampered the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, it's still a young season. The Timberwolves took time to discover their identity last season before making a run to the playoffs.
With a few more games under their belt with the new-look lineup, Rudy Gobert and company could strike brilliant chemistry and make a surprise run.