The Timberwolves look nothing like the squad that battled their way to the Western Conference Finals in 2024. Lately, they’ve been stuck in a strange rhythm—dropping three straight games, then bouncing back with three wins twice this season. And it could get worse. Anthony Edwards has been carrying the team, dominating night after night. But Rudy Gobert, the 4-time DPOY, might not be able to help the Ant-man anymore.

While facing the Grizzlies, the 7-foot-1 center was trying to block Zach Edey, whose hand took a swipe at Gobert’s face. Nothing intentional but it looks like he hit his eyes. And the French star headed to the locker room soon after. The Grizzlies really have claws, huh? But looks like he’s escaped unscathed, as Rudy returned to the bench initially, and then hit the court again.

In his 14 minutes of game time, the Frenchman has scored 2 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and provided an assist. The rebound number is low for Gobert, as they had specifically gotten him after they were getting out-rebounded frequently.

Gobert is putting up 10 points per game in 33.5 minutes this season. His field goals are a stellar 62.1%, showing his efficiency on the floor. But what really stands out is his rebounding. He is dominating the glass, pulling down 10.7 rebounds per game, including 3.9 offensive boards.

But it looks like he was ineffective against the Grizzlies in the first half on the glass. It really makes you wonder if Minnesota is making good use of their star.

6x All-Star drops key advice on maximizing Rudy Gobert’s services

The Golden State Warriors have been one of the NBA’s most successful teams over the past decade, with four championships to their name. A big part of their success has been their defensive schemes, especially during their title runs. While Stephen Curry isn’t known for his defense, the Warriors managed to hide his weaknesses by rotating and adjusting their defense to mask any flaws.

Blake Griffin, on the 7PM in Brooklyn pod, pointed out how the Warriors have handled Curry’s defensive limitations and suggested that the Timberwolves should do the same with Rudy Gobert.

He explained, “They figured out a way to hide him (Curry) whenever people tried to pick on him, nope, someone is rotating, someone is stepping up… people s*** on Rudy Gobert, to me the same thing should happen with Rudy Gobert. Don’t put him on an island with Luka (Doncic), figure out a scheme. As a coach, that’s all you do. You figure out schemes, so maximize your defensive player and make him look good.”

The Mavericks eliminated the Timberwolves in last season’s Western Conference Finals, targeting Rudy Gobert and causing him to take all the heat. The Frenchman struggled when he was forced into isolation against guards.

Griffin’s suggestion is clear: Minnesota needs to rethink how they use Gobert and adjust their defensive schemes. If the coaching staff puts Rudy in better positions, it could transform their defense and help them reach their potential.