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“The Worst All-Star in NBA History”: $205 Million Timberwolves Star’s “Insane” Play vs Clippers Leaves Fans in Shambles

Published 01/07/2023, 6:10 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves reached the playoff as the No.7 seed. This season, they would have hoped to climb the ladder and the front office executed major moves. In July 2022, the Timberwolves got a player on board from Utah Jazz for a $205 million contract. The Jazz received Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverly, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler, and Jarred Vanderbilt, first-round picks for 2023, 2025, 2027, and 2029, and a 2026 pick swap. Unfortunately, the Timberwolves may have gotten the raw end of the bargain with the NBA fans dubbing the player to be “the worst All-Star in NBA history“.

In the game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Rudy Gobert missed a layup which has left the fans in shambles. They called the snafu to be nothing short of “insane”.

What did Rudy Gobert do?

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Despite him having control of the ball, running to the basket, and barring one Clippers player who attempted to block the shot, Rudy Gobert was unable to dunk the ball. The crowd sprang up from their seats in the anticipation of a score, only to be disappointed. He had a second chance to take the ball over to the rim, but it was in vain.

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NBA Twitter was flooded with comments ripping Gobert apart. Others questioned the Timberwolves’ decision to bring him on board. Others discussed how his performances did not justify the contract that he was given.

Even the broadcasters were commenting on how he blew the layup. Rudy Gobert threw himself to the stand while walking back with a cheeky smile. After the game tonight, he addressed the play. Gobert said, “I was having fun. But I’m gonna think about it all night. I should have dunked it.

Are NBA fans justified in their statement?

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Seth Partnow of The Athletic seems to believe so. He wrote, “the Timberwolves’ draft capital-depleting acquisition of Rudy Gobert from Utah hasn’t gone to plan“. The offense has deteriorated with Gobert “clogging the floor, taking away drive and kick opportunities“.

USA Today via Reuters

Gobert’s stats also do not help make a case for him. He was known for his rim protection, but this year he is down to 0.3/100. His averages have also decreased from his previous tenure with the Utah Jazz. Currently, he is averaging 13.9 points per game, 11.9 rebounds, and 0.9 assists.

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As it was, the Timberwolves struggled with 3-point shooting, defensive rebounding (Gobert was one of the best in rebounds), and turnovers. Tonight’s incident may have stretched an already gaping hope.

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Written by:

Rekha Joly

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Rekha Joly is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. She earned a triple major in English, Journalism, and Psychology from St. Joseph's College, Bangalore.
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Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra