Timberwolves' Gobert Pushes Chess, but Edwards Declines

All-Star center Rudy Gobert wants his Minnesota teammates to play chess, but star guard Anthony Edwards isn't interested.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:33pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match between two players, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the different mindsets of the athletes.The contrasting approaches of Timberwolves stars Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards to mental training tools like chess are reflected in a cubist, deconstructed illustration.Minnesota City Today

Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has been vocal about using chess to sharpen focus, decision-making, and anticipation - skills he believes translate directly to defense and game awareness. Gobert has even faced off against fellow NBA star Victor Wembanyama in chess. However, when Gobert tried to get his teammate Anthony Edwards to join in, the All-Star guard bluntly responded 'Hell nah.' While some players embrace chess as a competitive edge, Edwards prefers to keep things simple and isn't interested in adding another ritual to his routine.

Why it matters

The Timberwolves are hoping to make a deep playoff run, and Gobert's chess advocacy highlights how some players use mental training tools to gain an edge. But Edwards' refusal to participate shows that not all stars are willing to embrace untraditional methods, even if they've worked for others.

The details

Gobert has been vocal about using chess to improve focus, decision-making, and anticipation - skills he believes translate directly to defense and game awareness. Around the league, stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama have embraced similar chess routines as mental training tools. Gobert has even faced off against Wembanyama in chess. However, when Gobert tried to get his Timberwolves teammate Edwards to join in, the All-Star guard bluntly responded 'Hell nah.' Edwards, known for his straightforward and charismatic approach, clearly isn't interested in adding another ritual to his routine.

  • Edwards recently returned to the Timberwolves lineup after missing 10 of the previous 12 games due to a knee issue.
  • The Timberwolves are currently locked into the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

The players

Rudy Gobert

A four-time NBA All-Star center for the Minnesota Timberwolves who has been vocal about using chess to sharpen focus, decision-making, and anticipation.

Anthony Edwards

A four-time NBA All-Star guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who is not interested in playing chess, despite Gobert's advocacy for the mental training tool.

Victor Wembanyama

An NBA star who has also embraced chess as a mental training routine, and has even faced off against Gobert in the game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

An NBA star who has embraced chess as a mental training tool, similar to Gobert's approach.

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What they’re saying

“'Hell nah,'”

— Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves Guard

“'Maybe one day.'”

— Rudy Gobert, Timberwolves Center

What’s next

With the Timberwolves locked into the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs, the priority now is rhythm and health for the team's stars like Edwards as they look to make a deep postseason run.

The takeaway

While some NBA players have embraced untraditional mental training tools like chess, not all stars are willing to add new rituals to their routines. Edwards' blunt refusal to play chess with Gobert highlights the different approaches players take to preparing for the playoffs, even on the same team.