Rudy Gobert remains positive amid Minnesota Timberwolves struggles this season
Rudy Gobert tried to instill confidence in the Minnesota Timberwolves after their 116-104 home loss against the rebuilding Detroit Pistons. The Timberwolves dropped to 16-21 after that defeat, their fifth in a row. Minnesota was expected to be among the top eight teams, at least following the addition of Gobert this offseason.
However, things haven't gone according to plan. Here's what Gobert said about the situation (via Dane Moore):
“We’ve got 2 options; we can sit back and feel sorry for ourselves or we can just look ahead and understand that it’s still a long season and we’ve got a lot of time left if we keep that mindset of just keep getting better"
Rudy Gobert when asked where the spirit is at right now: “We’ve got 2 options; we can sit back and feel sorry for ourselves or we can just look ahead and understand that it’s still a long season and we’ve got a lot of time left if we keep that mindset of just keep getting better"
The Minnesota Timberwolves mortgaged their entire future and parted ways with key role players like Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley to add 3x DPOY Rudy Gobert.
They made the playoffs last season with these players on the roster but decided to shake things up and take a gamble with Gobert by pairing him alongside another All-Star center, Karl Anthony-Towns. So far, it's safe to say it hasn't worked out for them.
KAT is currently injured and hasn't played since the Timberwolves' 142-127 loss to the Washington Wizards on November 28th. Even with him available until then, the Timberwolves didn't seem like legitimate contenders. They hovered around the .500 mark before Towns got sidelined.
Over the last six games, the Minnesota Timberwolves have looked even more clueless. Chris Finch's rotations have been questionable, while the team has struggled defensively, something they should've improved on after adding Rudy Gobert.
There's still over half a season to go, but the Timberwolves have a bevy of issues piled up. They will once again need to undergo a transition period to work out Towns and Gobert's on-court fit when the former returns.
Rudy Gobert and Minnesota Timberwolves hit rock bottom losing 10-29 at home to Detroit Pistons
The Minnesota Timberwolves had a great chance to break out of their slump against the league's worst record-holder, the Detroit Pistons. It was also a home game for Rudy Gobert and Co. Despite taking a 14-point lead into the break, the Timberwolves couldn't prevail.
Their offense went cold in the second half, while their defense was lacklustre again. Minnesota shot 55.6% from the field in the first half but made only 29.8% of their shots across the last two quarters. They showed no grit on defense either. The theme has been the same in almost all of their six defeats during this run.
Their schedule remains difficult over the next few games. The Timberwolves will face the Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers over the next week. A couple of wins during that stretch could really help up the team's spirits.