The Timberwolves now sit at 13-4, the current #1 seed in the Western Conference, almost 1/4 through the season.
Rudy Gobert defensive rating: 102.3 (#1 in the league)
KAT defensive rating: 104 (#2 in the league this year / averaged 109 historically)
Timberwolves: 106.6 (#1 in the league)
If they make the finals this year; are we still saying it was an overpay?
Now just imagine Walker Kessler playing center instead of Rudy Gobert.
And the defense being just as good.
And the offense better.
And spending $30 million less per year on the center position.
And having several additional good role players.
And having all your future draft picks instead of none of them.
The defense wouldn’t be just as good.
Rudy DESIGNED this defense with Chris Finch and the defensive coach. His experience and knowledge is priceless. He is teaching KAT, Ant and Jaden how to be better defenders. Walker Kessler and some role players cannot do that. Ant, Jaden and KAT’s development is 100% the priority.
Also you really think Walker Kessler can guard multiple players on the perimeter and the paint all by himself within 1 possession like this? No, not yet. Wolves wanted that insane defense now, they don’t want to wait years for a rookie to develop.
They have draft picks every other year too and extra 2nds.
Such a ridiculous take. If we keep Walker he sits behind KAT and Naz. He is nowhere near as good defensively and if we ran him at the 5 and KAT at the 4 like we do now our defense and offense would collapse