Rudy Gobert is not just the most polarizing player on the Minnesota Timberwolves roster — he’s the most polarizing player in the NBA.
The 32-year-old Frenchman is one of three players in league history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award a record four times. However, Gobert’s offense in the modern NBA has left more to be desired, leading to his peers voting him the most overrated player in the league.
Approaching a first-round playoff series with the Los Angeles Lakers, Gobert’s matchup with Luka Doncic sparked a fanfare on social media with fans rehashing Doncic’s dismantling of the Wolves in the Western Conference Finals last season.
Among several talkers was a clip of Doncic’s game-winning three over Gobert in Game 2.
Appearing in an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Doncic was prodded to speak on what he enjoys about facing Gobert most after he averaged 32.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in that series a year ago.
I think he’s a great defender,” Doncic said. “No matter who it is, I just like to go against centers. When you got to go against the best, you got to be at the top, so that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Doncic was complimentary of Gobert and posed that his attack of centers on the offensive end in a matter of wanting to beat the best.
However, it’s an advantageous position for the 26-year-old Slovenian sensation.
Doncic’s ability to change direction and tempo is unmatched. He picked apart the Timberwolves last year with his shooting off the pick-and-roll opening opportunities for the Dallas Mavericks’ cast of rim-running bigs.
The Lakers don’t have the same frontcourt support, which could mean Gobert can get more involved on the offensive end and make his presence a net positive for the Wolves.
