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“That’s Nothing Compared to the $200M He’s Stealing From Them”: 3X NBA All-Star’s Noble $22K Gesture Doesn’t Impress Fans

Published 12/20/2022, 5:50 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Earlier this year, during the off-season, the Minnesota Timberwolves acquired a player in a large transaction. The 3x NBA All-Star and 3x DPOY shifted base from the Utah Jazz franchise and set up camp among the Timberwolves lineup. The fans are yet to be impressed by his performances and his philanthropic efforts.

Rudy Gobert gifted more than 450 employees an autographed card and a $50 thank-you money, at the Target Center for their service towards the Timberwolves. That would amount to over a $22,000 gesture. But fans were hardly impressed as they shed light on, “That’s nothing compared to the $200 million he’s stealing from them“.

Are NBA fans justified in their thinking?

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Rudy Gobert had signed a $200 million contract with the Utah Jazz in 2021, which many were unsure he deserved. Even NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal roasted the franchise for offering a high price for a player who “scores 11 points”. The deal was considered to make him one of the highest-paid centers in the league.

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This year, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded him on a $224 million contract, which also raised many eyebrows. No wonder then that fans took to social media and reacted to his seemingly noble gesture.

His stats have not aligned with his contract numbers. Currently, he has been averaging 14.1 points per game this season.

How have the Timberwolves fared with him?

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The franchise is now at the 8th seed in the Western Conference, which is not bad at all considering they are above the usual dynasties of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. However, Gobert’s contributions have been few and far between.

USA Today via Reuters

He has not rebounded well for the Timberwolves, as they carry the weight of being one of the worst defensive rebounding teams in the league. It was reported, “Gobert himself hasn’t been quite as dominant as in years past — his points, rebounds, blocks, usage and shooting percentage are all down from his All-Star seasons in Utah“.

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Did you think it was a justifiable amount in this season of giving?

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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:

Gideon Mathson