The Minnesota Timberwolves are in shambles
When the Minnesota Timberwolves traded for Rudy Gobert back in July there was quite a mix of reactions. Some thought that Gobert would be the missing piece to take the Timberwolves to that next level. Some thought that the move would have no real impact. Others felt that the Jazz completely robbed the Wolves and pulled off the biggest fleece job since the infamous Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce trade involving the Nets and Celtics.
With a full season of the Gobert project behind us, I think it’s safe to assume that the Jazz easily won this trade and will be paying the dividends of it for the next few years. While Gobert’s play was enough to reveal just how lopsided this trade was, Sunday night we saw the Timberwolves hit a new low.
The Situation
During a timeout, Kyle Anderson and Gobert appeared to be disagreeing. The two were going back-and-forth and it was clear that frustrations about the lackluster season were coming out. While players disagreeing isn’t some new revelation, Gobert walking up and punching Anderson seemingly out of nowhere was quite the revelation.
It was totally classless act done by a classless person. I mean, if you’re gonna punch a teammate at least stand your ground, but no, the 7-foot-3 Gobert punched Anderson and then ran away like the coward he is. I mean you are 7-3 and are scared by little Kyle Anderson? How in the hell did this man ever win three DPOYs?
The Timberwolves were obviously not happy with the situation and were quick to remove him from the bench and send him home.
Now, with how crazy this situation was, you may think that some truly hateful things were said. I know personally that it would take a lot to drive me to want to assault someone — especially a teammate. But nope, to nobody’s surprise, Gobert is just a little kid with the world’s most fragile ego.
Like, are you serious? Somebody tells you to shut up and do the one thing you’re being paid to do and you just immediately resort to violence. I understand Gobert is likely frustrated, especially with his lackluster play this season. But under no circumstances is doing that acceptable, especially when your team is locked into the 8-seed and trying to focus on the playoffs.
The Fallout
And it seems that the childish actions of Gobert started to become contagious. Shortly after the situation while walking to the locker room, Jaden McDaniels was seen punching the wall which in turn led to him fracturing his hand.
It was a bad situation that seemed to only get worse as time went on. It’s safe to say that tensions are still high and relationships may be severed, especially with Anderson who seemingly wants nothing to do with Gobert or the Timberwolves.
So, in the span of one night, you have seemingly lost your starting center and small forward right before the playoffs. With team chemistry being at an all-time low, their chances of defeating the Nuggets were already slim enough, but now it just seems impossible.
KAT is back on the court along with Anthony Edwards which will be nice. But it won’t be enough to counter the sabotage efforts of Gobert himself. Whether it’s through his play on the court or his childish antics off the court, he just doesn’t lead to winning basketball.
Edwards has subtly expressed he prefers it when Gobert is off the court. Edwards expressed a desire early on to run smaller lineups as he felt it better suited his playstyle, which, in layman’s terms, means when Gobert isn’t on the court.
But Minnesota has made their bed and now they have to sleep in it. Anyone could have told you it wasn’t smart to trade your entire future for Gobert. But, for whatever reason, you did and now you will suffer for the years to come.
But hey, enjoy Rudy Gobert blocking a few shots a game and grabbing rebounds while you continue to get eliminated in the first round. God, I really feel bad for Timberwolves fans.
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