Timberwolves' Chris Finch Addresses Rudy Gobert's Pass-Catching Issues

Finch says the team will continue passing to Gobert despite his occasional turnovers.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:37am

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Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch addressed concerns about center Rudy Gobert's pass-catching abilities, saying the team will continue to pass to him despite the occasional turnover. Finch believes the benefits of getting the ball to Gobert outweigh the risks, as he remains a dominant interior presence for the team.

Why it matters

Gobert's pass-catching has been a point of criticism, as turnovers from dropped passes can be costly. However, Finch's approach shows the team's commitment to getting the ball to their star center, who remains a vital part of their offense and defense.

The details

During a press conference after the Timberwolves' 147-111 win over the Utah Jazz, Finch was asked about Gobert's pass-catching issues. Finch said the team knows not to expect sympathy from him if Gobert drops a pass, as "sometimes he's going to." But Finch wants his players to keep throwing the ball to Gobert, believing the benefits outweigh the occasional turnover.

  • The Timberwolves defeated the Utah Jazz on March 19, 2026.

The players

Chris Finch

The head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Rudy Gobert

The starting center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, known for his defensive prowess but has faced some criticism for his pass-catching abilities.

Ayo Dosunmu

A player for the Minnesota Timberwolves who top-scored in the team's win over the Jazz with 23 points.

Julius Randle

A player for the Minnesota Timberwolves who scored 21 points, had 8 assists, and 4 steals against the Jazz.

Bones Hyland

A player for the Minnesota Timberwolves who scored 18 points off the bench, including 3 three-pointers.

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What they’re saying

“They know not to look to me for sympathy if Rudy drops one of their passes, because sometimes he's going to. I tell them to keep throwing them. We have to. It pays off more than not... I'll take some of those turnovers if we're trying to make the right play.”

— Chris Finch, Head Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves

What’s next

The Timberwolves will host the Portland Trail Blazers in their next game, while the Jazz will take on the Milwaukee Bucks.

The takeaway

Finch's approach shows the Timberwolves' commitment to getting the ball to Gobert, their star center, despite his occasional pass-catching issues. The team believes the benefits of having Gobert involved in the offense outweigh the risks of occasional turnovers, highlighting their trust in his overall impact on the game.