Exploring what level of impact Rudy Gobert will have on the Utah Jazz.
There were a ton of unexpected acquisitions on the first day of free agency. One that stood beyond the rest was the Utah Jazz sending four-time All-NBA and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Utah Jazz received Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt, four future first-round picks, and a pick swap.
The Jazz got an incredible haul, but it is clear that Tim Connelly, the Wolves president of basketball operations, believes that they can win now. Question is, after acquiring Gobert, how far can the Wolves rise in the Western Conference?
This past season we saw the Wolves earn a playoff spot and present somewhat of a challenge against the Memphis Grizzlies in one of the most exciting postseason series. The Wolves haven’t been a factor in the playoffs since 2003-04 when they made it to the Conference Finals.
But the addition of Gobert has a massive impact on the Wolves. They didn’t have to give up any vital pieces to their team besides some role players who could be replaced. Gobert provides the top elite talent on the defensive end as a three-time defensive player of the year, and at 30 years of age, he still has a few prime years to make an incredible impact with the Wolves.
Gobert is coming off one of his most impressive seasons, averaging 15 rebounds, 16 points, and shooting 71 percent from the field. The Wolves’ frontcourt could be one of the best in the NBA next season. Karl-Anthony Towns is an All-Star and one of the most gifted big men in the league.
The duo of KAT and Gobert is frightening for the rest of the NBA. Gobert will allow players like KAT to play more aggressively on the offensive end, and another player that will benefit from Gobert is Anthony Edwards. He is among the most gifted players in the league, and his athletic ability is rare.
Edwards is beyond elite on the offensive end, but he takes questionable shots, which will improve, and his lack of confidence will keep him aggressive on the offensive end. Edwards can struggle on the defensive end; with his elite athleticism, he has the potential to become a great defender, but that will take time if it were to happen, but that is where Gobert will help the team the most.
The lineup of D’Angelo Russell, Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, KAT, and Gobert will be fun to watch.
Without Gobert, the Wolves had a solid season last year, ending with 46 wins and making it to the playoffs but quickly exited after winning only two games against the Grizzlies. Their ceiling should be raised heading into next season, even though the West is pretty top-heavy.
While it may be difficult to envision the Wolves beating the Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, Phoenix Suns, or Memphis Grizzlies in a playoff series, they still should be improved next season.