Why a Timberwolves star is so disliked by other NBA players

It's time to get real about Rudy Gobert. The Minnesota Timberwolves just swept the highly powered Phoenix Suns in dominating fashion, with one game finishing inside of double digits between the two teams; that game being Game 4. While Gobert played sparingly in Game 4 because of the Suns small ball scheme offensively, he still remained a vital part of the Timberwolves first-round series win.

Fans, media, and players alike all remember the Rudy Gobert debacle that occurred during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which eventually spread throughout the NBA and led to a league-wide shutdown, starting with primarily Gobert. Some dislike, or even hate, Gobert for what occurred on his part; however, it's unfair to make him the "scapegoat" of the pandemic in the NBA.

Why is Rudy Gobert is so disliked by other players?

Besides that situation, there is definitely a lot to like about the potential future Hall of Famer. Yes, I said Hall of Famer, and while that may seem far-fetched, the resume of Rudy Gobert would say otherwise. The NBA resume of Gobert reads as follows:

3× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2018, 2019, 2021), All-NBA Second Team (2017), 3× All-NBA Third Team (2019–2021), 3× NBA All-Star (2020–2022), 6× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2017–2022), NBA rebounding leader (2022), NBA blocks leader (2017). While this is Gobert's NBA resume, it doesn't include the several Olympic medals and awards he's earned with France, which is another piece to the 'Hall-of-Fame' pie.

The TImberwolves ascension this season was led in large by Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert. While Edwards and Towns are the primary offensive focal points, Gobert has had a resurging second season with the franchise, who acquired him via trade last season. Many people within the media, fans, and players have noted Gobert's ineffectiveness in previous playoffs, however he's once again in line for another Defensive Player of the Year award, which would be his fourth.

The Timberwolves have had one of the best seasons in franchise history, with one of the best defenses in the entire NBA, led by their defensive anchor, Gobert. Without him, Minnesota's winning formula would be vastly deterred and different.

Without Gobert, the Timberwolves would be worse, as his impact is felt with him on the court. Gobert is a defensive stalwart who, even with his flaws, can dominate any game with his paint presence. It's time to acknowledge Rudy Gobert's ability and value.