Heading into the 2025-2026 NBA season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have championship hopes. However, one concern some people have regarding the Wolves’ title chances is Rudy Gobert. The three-time All-Star showed some signs of offensive regression last season, averaging 12 points, his lowest mark since the 2015-16 season. Additionally, in the playoffs, Rudy averaged below double figures (7.9) for the first time in his playoff career, and shot below 60 percent for the first time in his playoff career.
Gobert turned 33 this summer, and one wonders if this was just a bad year for him or the new normal. Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski perfectly summed up why this Gobert situation is worth keeping an eye on.
“He looks great coming into camp, Krawczynski said. He looks like he’s in great shape, but he’s getting a little older; big men age at a different age. So that’s something you have to pay attention to early with the Timberwolves. Was last year’s struggles more to do with the trades and instability and all that, or was it a physical decline?”
Krawczynski’s question is crucial and, as he notes, something that can be determined early in the season. It’s entirely possible that Gobert simply had a bad year as he was de-prioritized in the Wolves offense after the blockbuster Julius Randle trade. Nevertheless, it’s just as possible that Gobert will continue to decline at 33, especially since Krawczynski noted that big men age quickly.
Rudy Gobert is an important swing factor for the Wolves
Gobert is clearly a game-changer for the Wolves’ title chances, and if his decline continues, Minnesota could have a real problem. Having Naz Reid, the league’s best backup big man, certainly helps. Either way, it’s unclear if Reid and Randle can anchor an elite defense.
Krawczynski also rightly noted that Gobert got off to a slow start defensively last season. While the four-time Defensive Player of the Year will always have an impact as a rim protector, given his offensive limitations, it will be difficult to give him starting minutes if he regresses on defense.
Gobert has never been a star-level offensive player; he has always thrived as a lob threat and efficient inside scorer. In some ways, this simple role should ease concerns about his upcoming seasons. However, it’s also possible that his already limited offensive skills continue to decline, especially since he doesn’t have the best hands.
If Gobert turns down the offense, the Wolves will rely more on Randle, Reid and Anthony Edwards. This still sets them up for contention. Still, for Gobert, the clearest path to contention the Wolves have is to at least stay close to last year’s production, and that’s a real possibility.
#Timberwolves #beat #reporter #quiet #part #loud #Rudy #Gobert