Facing a 0-3 deficit in the postseason is an arduous ordeal for any playoff team, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are no exception. On a recent episode of "Gil's Arena," Gilbert Arenas scrutinized Rudy Gobert's Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) accolades, citing Minnesota's struggles to contain Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
After successfully overcoming the Denver NuggetsDenver Nuggets in the semifinals, the Timberwolves have faltered against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. Minnesota's defensive lapses have come to the fore, with some analysts pointing to dubious coverages against Doncic and Irving.
Throughout the 2023-24 regular season, Gobert was instrumental in anchoring the league’s top-ranked defense. Nevertheless, opposing teams have found ways to neutralize his defensive prowess. The Mavericks, much like Denver before them, have exploited Gobert’s vulnerability when forced to guard in open space, thereby exposing Minnesota's rim protection. Against the exceptional shot-making of Doncic and Irving, superior offense often prevails.
Kendrick Perkins Reconsiders Gobert's DPOY Award
A robust debate has emerged regarding Rudy Gobert's defensive acumen. Kendrick Perkins, notably, has expressed reservations about awarding Gobert the DPOY title. The playoffs, unlike the regular season, hinge on matchups and strategic adjustments. Both Denver and Dallas have capitalized on moving Gobert away from the rim, revealing a tactical gap that Minnesota's coaching staff has yet to address effectively. Gobert’s benching during critical moments has further highlighted his offensive shortcomings, a focal point for Dallas’s defensive strategy. With the Timberwolves on the brink, Gobert's response to mounting criticisms will be crucial.
Gobert Under Fire from Critics and Analysts Alike
Rudy Gobert's underwhelming performance in the Western Conference Finals has validated his harshest critics, including Draymond Green, Shaquille O'Neal, and DeMarcus Cousins. In three games, Gobert has averaged a meager 12.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.0 block, a stark contrast to his regular-season stats of 14 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. Offensively, he has impeded Anthony Edwards’ driving lanes, set poor screens, and been ineffective as a lob threat. His deficiencies in footwork and post skills have been glaring. Defensively, he has struggled against Doncic and Irving, and has been outperformed by rookie Dereck Lively. Game 3 saw Gobert so ineffective that he was benched for most of the fourth quarter, and upon his return, the Timberwolves were outscored by seven points in three minutes.
Charles Barkley’s Recommendation
Post-game, Charles Barkley urged the Timberwolves to replace Gobert with Naz Reid for the series' remainder. "I think they should start Naz Reid," Barkley asserted on "Inside the NBA" on TNT. "I'm probably going to take Rudy out. He can't guard anybody out there."
Barkley's critique, suggesting Gobert is incapable of guarding anyone, is a stinging rebuke for a player with four DPOY awards. When peers label you the league’s most overrated player, there is likely merit to their claims. While Gobert’s advocates have dismissed his critics as envious of his accolades, each postseason seems to lend credence to the detractors' assertions.
0 Comments
Please do not comment spam and Ugly words