Mike Conley Calls Former Jazz C Rudy Gobert ‘Top 5’ in the Entire NBA
So far into the 2023-24 NBA season, one of the brightest teams in the association has proved to be the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now halfway through the year, this team has leaped to a 30-13 record, good for one of the top spots in the Western Conference.
While a good chunk of this success has come from the back of rising star Anthony Edwards, two former members of the Utah Jazz have shined through as well. Both Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert have been critical components in this season’s Minnesota resurgence.
Conley and Gobert were teammates in Utah for three seasons from 2019-2022. While those rosters were ultimately unable to ever escape the second round of the playoffs during their time, it seems they’ll now get a real chance at redemption with their new franchise.
Just recently, Conley made headlines when he gave a bold take on Gobert’s current standing as a player in the NBA.
Per BasketNews, Conley spoke on the role Gobert has had for the Timberwolves this season, shouting him out as one of the top five most impactful guys the league has to offer:
“He’s probably in the top 5 in the entire league. He changes the game defensively, of course, but also offensively. You don’t need to score 30 points to do it. His deterrence, his screens, his rolls to the basket are a gravitational force that attracts [defenses] and impacts everything around him. Few players can create offensive play in his way. This ability is very underestimated in him.”
During his second year in Minnesota, Gobert has seen a bit of a jump back to form since his rocky start in 2022-23. In 42 games, he’s averaged 13.2 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks while leading the best defensive unit in the entire NBA.
While many usually view Gobert as an anchor, Conley gives a bit of a nod to his unappreciated ability on the offensive end. His stout 7-1 frame gives him great ability inside and places him as a very complimentary pick-and-roll partner.
Conley continues in an interview with Yann Ohnona of L’Equip on what’s allowed Gobert to get back to his impactful ways during year two with the Timberwolves:
"He has more confidence. Defensively, he became himself again, found what made him an asset. This, in turn, translates into offensive aggressiveness. He manages to find his zones where he can make an impact with his size, and the guys focus on helping him in favorable matchups."
Still, many may roll their eyes at Conley’s debatable comments surrouding Gobert, considering the other astounding talents this league has to offer, especially at the big man position.
When stacked up against guys Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Anthony Davis, it’s hard to give Rudy the edge when taking into account all aspects of the game. By taking statistics, accolades, and postseason play all into account, Gobert inevitably comes up short.
Of course, teammates should always have each other’s back, but this might be a bit bullish on Mike’s part.
This upcoming postseason could have a massive impact on how Gobert’s standing is viewed around the league. After countless shortcomings in previous years, this competitive Timberwolves core gives Rudy the chance to set the narrative straight in the coming months. He’s done a great job of doing that through over 40 games of the regular season, but that sustainability into playoff basketball is what is really important.
As for the Jazz, they will meet up against Conley, Gobert, and the rest of the Timberwolves further down this season in March after falling during their first two matchups this season.
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