3 Reasons Why We Owe Rudy Gobert an Apology

Every year it’s the same story: Rudy Gobert becomes the target. Some question his Defensive Player of the Year awards, others point to his playoff struggles, and many argue he doesn’t truly make a difference when it matters most.

And yet, the 2025-26 season is telling a different story. Less noise, more substance. Less narrative, more numbers. And perhaps that’s exactly where an unexpected reassessment begins.

Gobert’s Defensive Impact: Defensive Win Shares

Looking at advanced defensive statistics – among big men who have played at least 20 games averaging 20 minutes as centers – Gobert once again confirms his defensive impact, especially around the rim:

With a DWS of 0.141, he ranks 3rd, behind only Holmgren (0.168) and Hartenstein (0.142) – both OKC players, not coincidentally benefiting from the league’s most solid roster. He ranks ahead of players such as Wembanyama (0.135), Queta (0.132), Mobley (0.130), Adebayo (0.128), Duren (0.124) and Jackson Jr. (0.112). Not coincidentally, his presence lowers opponents’ field goal percentage inside the arc from 57.5% to 50.4%.

Defensive Rating and the Comparison With Other Rosters

The league’s average Defensive Rating hovers around 114, with the Thunder 1st (106.3) and the Jazz last (121.0). The Minnesota Timberwolves rank seventh with a DRtg of 112.4, but it’s when analyzing Gobert’s impact that the numbers become truly interesting.

At the time of writing, Gobert has logged 1,689 minutes, during which the Timberwolves have posted a Defensive Rating of 109.8 – a mark that would rank them third in the league. In the 1,014 minutes without him, that figure plummets to 119.1, virtually placing them among the four worst teams.

These numbers depict a Gobert who brings solidity and stability, actively influencing opponents’ possessions, forcing less efficient shots, and helping his own team increase transition opportunities.

The Criticism and His Weakness

Among the main criticisms directed at Gobert is his limited offensive impact. Some time ago, Shaq himself – never short on words when it comes to big men in this era – said on his podcast during an episode with the Morris twins:

I hate Rudy Gobert, because that son of a… is making $250 million and doesn’t deserve it […] if you’re making that much money, you’ve got to play like a f***ing big man.

Shaquille O’Neal

While offense is certainly not his calling card, with Gobert on the floor Minnesota posts an Offensive Rating of 117.6, which improves noticeably to 119.2 without him. This increase – worth considering when evaluating the player – results in an almost neutral Net Rating differential (0.1): without Gobert, the Timberwolves score as many points as they allow.

His presence, however, guarantees a positive Net Rating of +7.85, ranking him among the top eight starting centers in the league, behind only centers from more solid and stable teams in the standings such as the Thunder, Celtics, Nuggets, Pistons, Spurs and Knicks.

What Is Gobert’s Real Value?

One of the main reasons behind the resentment toward him is his value – or rather, the value assigned to him: his price. Certainly, Gobert did not initially live up to expectations for a center making $38 million in 2022 at the time of the trade.

The rise in salaries and the league’s cap softens the impact of his current $35 million salary, but it cannot sweeten the bitter truth: acquiring Gobert cost Minnesota role players such as Patrick Beverley, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Leandro Bolmaro, but above all the draft rights to Walker Kessler, 4 future first-round picks – including the 2023 selection that became Keyonte George – and a 2026 first-round pick swap.

Imagining a hypothetical Timberwolves lineup replacing Gobert with just Kessler and George, one could argue for a perhaps even deeper team, led by Edwards, capable of closing the gap that still separates it from the main contenders.

Why We Owe Him an Apology

So what are the 3 reasons we owe Rudy Gobert an apology?

• It’s easy to judge a player solely by points scored or raw statistics, but reliable defensive centers are rare commodities today: from Anthony Davis and his fragility, to Myles Turner and his rebounding struggles, to young players like Edey and Kessler – each has their own limitations.

• The 2025-26 season shows that, even at 33 years old, he can still contribute meaningfully and have a significant impact within his team’s system.

If the messenger should not bear the blame, a player is – almost – never responsible for how much a team is willing to give up to acquire him, except in rare cases.

Despite personal biases, outspoken comments and Defensive Player of the Year awards that have not always been universally accepted, at least with regard to the 2025-26 season, we cannot avoid acknowledging the work the Frenchman has done on the court – and watching what this group’s path will be in the second half of the regular season and, perhaps, in the playoffs.