Timberwolves Aim to Get Rudy Gobert More Involved on Offense

Gobert's shaky hands make teammates reluctant to pass him the ball, but the team knows they need to get him more involved to reach their playoff potential.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:03pm

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The Minnesota Timberwolves are making a concerted effort to get center Rudy Gobert more involved in their offense, especially as they gear up for another deep playoff run. Gobert is one of the league's best screeners and finishers around the rim, but his teammates have sometimes been reluctant to pass him the ball due to his shaky hands. The team used a recent blowout win over the tanking Utah Jazz to work on building more trust and chemistry between Gobert and the team's playmakers.

Why it matters

Getting Gobert more involved on offense is crucial for the Timberwolves' hopes of making a deep playoff run this season. Their inconsistency in effectively utilizing Gobert has been one of the reasons they have struggled to separate themselves from the crowded middle of the Western Conference standings. Improving Gobert's offensive role could unlock another level for the team.

The details

In the win over the Jazz, the Timberwolves made a concerted effort to get Gobert the ball early and often, and he responded with 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Coach Chris Finch said the team's focus on getting Gobert involved was not part of the original game plan, but rather a reaction to how the Jazz were defending them. The Timberwolves know they need to continue building trust and chemistry between Gobert and their playmakers, as Gobert has sometimes struggled with turnovers when teammates do try to feed him the ball.

  • The Timberwolves used their recent game against the tanking Jazz as an opportunity to focus on getting Gobert more involved on offense.
  • The Timberwolves have a brutal finish to the regular season, with games against the Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons, and Boston Celtics, making it crucial they figure out how to effectively utilize Gobert.

The players

Rudy Gobert

An All-Star center for the Timberwolves who is one of the best screeners and finishers in the NBA, but has struggled with shaky hands that make his teammates reluctant to pass him the ball.

Chris Finch

The head coach of the Timberwolves, who knows the team needs to get Gobert more involved on offense for them to reach their full potential.

Kyle Anderson

A Timberwolves player who has previously played with Gobert and noticed the team's reluctance to feed him the ball, leading to his return to Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“I'm like, 'Oh, they missed Rudy. They missed Rudy.' Like, get downhill, and he's open at the rim a lot.”

— Kyle Anderson

“It's always best if we can get Rudy going early.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach

“Coach always says if it's a turnover trying to find your teammates, it's a good turnover. Not that we want it to happen, but it comes from good intentions.”

— Rudy Gobert

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.