In the initial month of the 2023-24 NBA season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as a dominant force, claiming the top spot in the Western Conference standings with an impressive 11-4 record.
Despite their youthful roster, the Timberwolves demonstrated their commitment to championship aspirations last season through a significant move—acquiring Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz in a blockbuster deal. Gobert’s debut season in Minnesota was marked by subpar performance, with the player appearing far from his peak on both offense and defense.
Critics and fans alike ridiculed the Timberwolves for what seemed like an imprudent trade, dismissing it as a failure. Nevertheless, Gobert has turned the tables this season, showcasing his Defensive Player of the Year caliber.
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic shed light on the transformation of Gobert during a SiriusXM Radio interview. Krawczynski pointed out that Gobert’s struggles in the previous season were attributed to injuries and an attempt to find his rhythm, factors that now seem to account for his lackluster performances.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are off to a great start this season.@JonKrawczynski tells @BGeltzNBA and @SamMitchellNBA Rudy Gobert has been a big reason for the early success. pic.twitter.com/SSGsMvey9o
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) November 25, 2023
Presently, Gobert is in top physical condition, displaying enhanced agility on the court. His defensive prowess is evident through his ability to contribute both in helping and recovering defensively, and he is notably more assertive in rolling to the rim for alley-oop attempts and dunks.
With Gobert reclaiming All-Star form, the Timberwolves find themselves with a legitimate reason to be optimistic about their prospects for a deep playoff run. Currently playing at an exceptionally high level, Minnesota commands serious consideration as one of the league’s top contenders.
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