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By Joël Pütz | Sports journalist
Adored by some, hated by others, Rudy Gobert is a very polarizing player in the NBA and especially since he wears the colors of Minnesota. However, we cannot deny the substantial influence he had on the team, supporting statistics.
The pressure is real for the Timberwolves. Conference finalists last season, Chris Finch's men must thwart the forecasts of most American media and overcome the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. Few are indeed those to give them winners, perhaps also because of their irregularity this year after having experienced a first half of regular chaotic campaign.
Unsurprisingly, the first to be pointed out in this phase of doubt (s) was Rudy Gobert. We say no surprise because it has become a sad habit for French for years. With a solid gold contract signed when it was still in jazz (205 million over 5 years), the pivot is considered to be widely surpassed by many fans and even its peers. Shaquille O'Neal is the most ardent detractor.
The defense of the Timberwolves transformed since the arrival of Gobert
Last year, he underwent a lot of criticism after the conference finals, which had seen him in great difficulty against Luka Doncic. On the other hand, if Gobzilla finds himself having to take care of the Slovenian, the problem lies rather elsewhere … But above all, the fans of the franchise are increasingly annoyed to see the native of Saint-Quentin to be overwhelmed from everywhere when his positive impact is however most real.
Defense specialist, the Habs have thus made wolves a fortress as rarely in their history, as a recently revealed internet user:
@WolvesRadio (via X) : The Wolves have been among the ten best defenses in the league in the last three seasons. They had only finished once among the ten best defenses in the League during their first 33 years of existence.
Historically, Minnesota has never been known to be particularly impressive in his half of the field. However, it turns out that the beginning of this defensive domination coincides with the arrival of the star of the Blues, in the offseason 2022. In the meantime, he went to seek his fourth defender of the year, equaling an all-time record in passing. Gold in bar for franchise fans:
@zadye23 : Just for fun, go see how the defense of Utah was brought before, during and after Rudy
@krryptt : I thought we had lost the trade and that we had ripped off
@scottherold3 : Insert Rudy. He changed the game
We can say of Rudy Gobert that his offensive game is limited or that he has difficulties far from the circle, but it is clear that his defensive impact is historic for the Timberwolves. He can count on fans to support him.
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