The Timberwolves are facing elimination, and a change to their line-up is being suggested. Reggie Miller has urged the Timberwolves to bench Rudy Gobert.
Miller Calls for Change
According to Miller, the Timberwolves’ biggest problem is not Victor Wembanyama’s scoring but who they are using to stop him. Miller stated that Rudy Gobert was a ghost, contributing four points and five rebounds in a must-win environment. Miller made his suggestion on live television.
“I think you’ve got to make a lineup change. I love Rudy Gobert, I love what he’s stood for throughout his career, but if he’s not going to get you anything in the post, if he’s going to struggle offensively, to me, their best lineup is when they go small, bring in Naz Reid. Now that takes Victor away from the paint. Minnesota is so good when they can get into the paint and attack. They can’t do that when Rudy is on the floor,” Miller said on the broadcast.
Miller believes that the four-time Defensive Player of the Year is becoming a liability.
Gobert’s Offensive Limitations
Game 5 highlighted Gobert’s limitations. The Spurs took a 3-2 series lead with a 29-point blowout win, 126—97. Gobert offers no spacing, no individual shot creation.
He can finish plays, but when Wembanyama’s wingspan puts him within blocking range of virtually every angle, Rudy’s offensive limitations become impossible to hide.
Reid as an Alternative
Internally, the Timberwolves feel strength when they see Gobert protecting the paint, as he can anchor a great defence. But there are offensive holes in his game that create an imbalance when matched up against Wembanyama. The Spurs’ cornerstone doesn’t have to react much.
Reid does the opposite and has outscored Gobert in every game this series. The Wolves’ uber-talented centre can stretch the floor, and Wembanyama can’t just sit inside the paint and leave him wide open. He’s made 12 triples in the five games, and shoots 36.2% for the season. With Reid, the Wolves can achieve greater spacing, integral for the talent they possess, while attacking the rim.
The Timberwolves are one loss from elimination.