Gobert mixes magic with baffling mistakes, LaMelo: “Let him cook!”
From a behind-the-head pass to a defensive lapse, Gobert delivers two completely different moments – and LaMelo Ball has some fun with it
There’s rarely a dull moment with Rudy Gobert lately. The Minnesota Timberwolves center can go from a highlight-worthy play to a lapse that’s difficult to explain. His recent games have provided a couple of examples.
Let’s start with the good, because the Frenchman’s behind-the-head assist certainly isn’t something you see every day. It was a point guard’s pass that surprised even LaMelo Ball, who was clearly amused when asked about it.
That assist? Yeah, yeah, yeah! That was incredible!
LaMelo Ball
When a reporter asked whether he had taught Gobert the move, LaMelo laughed:
No, no, that’s all him! Big Rudy has some guard skills, too. Let him cook!
LaMelo Ball
Apparently, Gobert has a few tricks in his repertoire we didn’t know about. The problem is that he sometimes manages to surprise at the other end of the floor, too. And not always in a good way.
Against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Frenchman drew criticism for a particularly bizarre defensive sequence. First, he knocked the ball away instead of securing the rebound, then completely lost track of Brayden Burries, handing him two practically free points.
The video quickly made the rounds on social media, where NBA fans certainly didn’t hold back in the comments. Especially since there had already been signs of trouble in the previous loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Of course, more is expected from a four-time Defensive Player of the Year in those situations. But perhaps that’s the beauty – or the frustration – of Gobert right now: first he delivers an assist worthy of a guard, then he loses an opponent right under the basket.