Timberwolves' Gobert Calls Out Teammates' Lack of Effort

All-Star center wants coach to bench players over poor play

Feb. 8, 2026 at 12:47pm

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Rudy Gobert, the three-time All-Star center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, has implored the team's coaching staff to address his teammates' lack of effort. After the Timberwolves blew an 18-point lead in a loss to the Pelicans, Gobert expressed his frustration, saying "if the players don't have accountability, someone has to have accountability for the players." Gobert did not single out any specific players, but said the team's effort level is "unacceptable" for a team with championship aspirations.

Why it matters

The Timberwolves are currently in sixth place in the Western Conference, just one game ahead of the play-in cutoff. With the trade deadline approaching, Gobert's public criticism of his teammates' effort could create tension within the team and impact their ability to make a playoff push.

The details

Gobert said the Timberwolves' coaching staff needs to be willing to bench players who are not giving maximum effort, even if they are talented. Head coach Chris Finch acknowledged Gobert's concerns and said the team addressed the issue in a meeting on Saturday. Finch said "there's never been a team that's won anything meaningful that substituted their way there," suggesting he may be reluctant to bench key players.

  • The Timberwolves lost at home to the Pelicans on Friday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Rudy Gobert

A three-time NBA All-Star center for the Minnesota Timberwolves who is frustrated with his teammates' lack of effort.

Chris Finch

The head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves who acknowledged Gobert's concerns about the team's effort level.

Anthony Edwards

A star player for the Minnesota Timberwolves who Gobert did not single out specifically.

Julius Randle

A former New York Knicks forward who is now a key player for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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What they’re saying

“At some point, if the players don't have accountability, someone has to have accountability for the players. I'm on straight effort. I'm just talking straight effort. I'm not even getting to the basketball side of things, like … mistakes are a part of the game, but the effort to me for a team that wants to play for a championship, it's unacceptable.”

— Rudy Gobert (nypost.com)

“I handle all my conversations with ourselves in-house. Disappointing [Gobert] felt the need to go outside. Nonetheless, that's been addressed already today. There's never been a team that's won anything meaningful that substituted their way there.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves (nypost.com)

What’s next

The Timberwolves will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, February 9, 2026, as they look to bounce back from the loss to the Pelicans.

The takeaway

Gobert's public criticism of his teammates' effort highlights the challenges the Timberwolves face in trying to build a championship-caliber team. While the team has talented players, a lack of consistent effort could derail their playoff aspirations if not addressed by the coaching staff.