Dec 8, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Timberwolves were among the best teams in the NBA last season. Anthony Edwards led that charge, but he was helped by big men Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert. A former hulking big man still has an axe to grind with the defensive player of the year.
Shaquille O’Neal continues to hate Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert
The Los Angeles Lakers stole the Minnesota basketball franchise nickname. Former Lakers big man Shaquille O’Neal could be sponsored by Charmin for as soft as he is when it comes to Rudy Gobert, however. It is well documented how much he dislikes the Minnesota forward. Despite another attack, Gobert took the high road.
Instead of stooping to the hulking linebacker’s level, Gobert punched above the belt. “You don’t need that stuff to stay relevant” is an all-time quote. It’s probably evergreen in the sense that it could be repurposed elsewhere. Arguably the best part of the whole interaction is that the Timberwolves big man brought Aaron Carter back to relevance.
Sometimes the best thing is to say nothing at all. That was a grade school lesson O’Neal may have outgrown too quickly.
Timberwolves will rebound with Gobert
In both the physical and relational sense, Rudy Gobert presents an ideal opportunity for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The big man is the reigning defensive player of the year . His ability to alter shots and clear the backboard are a large portion of that reality. Coming off a Western Conference Finals exit, the Timberwolves can also bounce back.
Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. each will find their way into the 2024 rotation for Chris Finch. The former should be a realistic point guard substitution for Mike Conley Jr., and for a cap strapped team, the draft provided.
Gobert is among the best players in the league, and Minnesota continues to benefit from their aggressive trade with the Utah Jazz . The big man can get healthy following an injury during the Olympics, and the year that matters may wind up being the best in franchise history.
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