Rudy Gobert has spent years dealing with mixed reviews about his defense. That debate looks different when one of the NBA's best offensive players gives him credit for making the game harder.
Nikola Jokic has faced Gobert plenty of times and knows where the Timberwolves center can cause problems. His latest comments give Gobert a notable endorsement from someone who has spent years trying to attack him.
Jokic discussed the defenders who make his job difficult during an appearance on the Jao Mile podcast. When the conversation reached Gobert, the Denver star dismissed the idea that the Timberwolves center is overrated on defense.
Apr 25, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) position themselves for a rebound in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
"Rudy Gobert, I know people have all kinds of opinions about him, but Rudy is a good defender. He showed it in the last playoffs," Jokic said.

#gobert #jokic #nikola #credit

NBA insider takes shot at T-Wolves Jonathan **** inga for jab at Warriors' Steph Curry, Chris Paul originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are going all in on winning a championship this season after the impressive offseason they had. It is amazing to see the team they have put together, and it was all due to their aggressiveness.
The big summer all started just before the NBA Draft when they traded for Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball. The team also just ended their free agency by winning the battle for Jonathan **** inga.
"Jonathan **** inga has agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, plus a player option, agent Aaron Turner tells ESPN. **** inga will be a starter alongside Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert on the West contender," ESPN's Shams Charania wrote.
The 23-year-old NBA champion waited the entire summer for the right opportunity, and he sure got that with the Timberwolves. He joins Anthony Edwards and other talented players in Minnesota.

#jonathan #timberwolves #ball #edwards

Nuggets news: Nikola Jokic's opinion of Rudy Gobert's defense will turn heads appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Nikola Jokic will carry a heavy load once again in the upcoming season, as the Denver Nuggets lost key players in Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas Valanciunas, and Bruce Brown.
The Nuggets are seeking redemption after suffering a first-round exit in last season's playoffs at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. After their elimination, Jokic lamented that they were far from being a championship team.
Jokic remains the premier center in the NBA, and opponents will plan for him every game. When asked who defends him the best, the three-time MVP was typically modest.
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#jokic

LeBron James had several options as a free agent before landing a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Before James' 24th NBA season, there were rumors about which team he would join after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers.
Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors were linked as potential landing spots. The Minnesota Timberwolves were also in the mix in his free agency decision. James could have joined Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and Rudy Gobert, forming a dynamic superteam in the Western Conference.
According to The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski, James was close to signing a deal with the Timberwolves. Krawczynski revealed on CLNS Media's Celtics Daily with Bobby Manning that one major move changed everything.
Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Houston Rockets during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
"There's a very good chance that if they don't make that trade, LeBron James is in Minnesota this year, and not Philadelphia," Krawczynski said.

#krawczynski #Lakers

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama played his first game as captain, leading France to a dominant 92-67 win over Slovenia in the ongoing FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers. He finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, and five three-pointers on 6-for-10 shooting from the field in under 22 minutes of action.
During his postgame interview with L'Equipe, Wembanyama didn't want all the credit. So, the San Antonio Spurs center paid homage to his frontcourt partner, Rudy Gobert, who had nine points, seven rebounds, and two blocks on 9-for-10 shooting from the free-throw line.
Jun 3, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) walks back up the court during the fourth quarter during game one against the New York Knicks of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
"Everything depends on the circumstances. At halftime, we had almost the same score as we did against Serbia in the friendly game. We made mistakes in the previous game that we didn't repeat today. It wasn't perfect. You have to know how to find the right words depending on the context," Wembanyama said.
"That's normal," he added about his improving chemistry with Gobert. "That's the only direction it's supposed to go. I hope to share the court with him for a long time, for years. It's good. It's a step forward. We're working."

#antonio #points

In the end, Jonathan ***** inga was willing to take less money per year to get back on the market sooner rather than take a longer contract with more guaranteed money.
After intense recruiting from Anthony Edwards and others, ***** inga has agreed to join the Timberwolves on a two-year, $13 million contract, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN. ***** inga stepped into the taxpayer mid-level exception the Timberwolves still had available.
This is a recruiting coup for the Timberwolves, who put on a full-court press in the last month, Charania reported. That included Edwards and other players, as well as team president Tim Connelly, who reportedly had a four-hour meeting with him. ***** inga is expected to step into the starting lineup at the three next to LaMelo Ball, Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.
The Lakers had been pursuing ***** inga to become a starter next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and they were trying to work out a sign-and-trade with Atlanta, but that would have required ***** inga to sign at least a three-year contract instead of the two in Minnesota. Plus, the Lakers and Hawks struggled to come close to a trade that worked for both sides for a variety of reasons (such as the Hawks wanting picks but not taking on players).
Kuminga did not find as robust a market for his services as he expected this summer. Atlanta chose not to pick up his $24.3 million team option, and ***** inga initially hoped for a deal in the ballpark, or at least north of $15 million. Eventually, it became about the shorter contract and the opportunity to play on a team with big expectations and to prove his value in that setting that lured him to Minnesota.

#kuminga #timberwolves #Lakers

Warriors center Al Horford is entering his 20th NBA season this fall, and although he is far from his prime, the Dominican big man has put together quite the career.
In a recent list made by HoopsHype, Horford was listed as the 14th-best foreign-born player in NBA history. In 1,183 games to this point, Horford has career averages of 12.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.2 ******* ists, 1.1 blocks and 0.8 steals. He's made five All-Star appearances, one All-NBA selection and one All-Defensive Team. His best season was likely during the 2012-13 season, when the former Florida Gator averaged 17.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.2 ******* ists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks. While scoring was never Horford's strongest skill, the former Atlanta Hawk and Boston Celtic is known as a winning player and has a championship to show for it.
Not to mention, Horford's ability to add an effective 3-point shot to his game has increased his impact and longevity. Another current player, Rudy Gobert, ranked just ahead of Horford at No. 13, and Spanish-born center Marc Gasol came in just behind him at No. 15.
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Warriors center recognized among the greatest international players ever

#horford #Warriors #made

According to Finch, Gobert's mistakes attract disproportionate attention, while much of his defensive work goes unnoticed. "All the things Rudy does at a very high level in the background aren't always recognized. His mistakes, on the other hand, are very visible, so it's easy for people to point them out. I think it's unfortunate how much criticism he receives."
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: According to Finch, Gobert's mistakes attract …

#mistakes #according #rudy #hype

Rudy Gobert's teammates have helped him embrace the role Minnesota needs him to play, while his pride and confidence continue to drive him. "He's driven by pride," Chris Finch concluded. "He's confident, and he has every reason to believe he's a good player because he really is. He's a first-ballot Hall of Famer."
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Timberwolves coach Chris Finch: Rudy Gobert is a first-ballot Hall of Famer

#hall

Dave McMenamin: Luka Doncic is hosting the entire Los Angeles Lakers roster in Slovenia for a four-day minicamp in August, a source close to the Lakers told ESPN. The itinerary will include workouts, golf and some Ljubljana tourism and bonding ahead of training camp.
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No matter where LeBron decides to go, it would be seen as him chasing rings, since almost every team in the league already has stars. "Where does Charles and the legends want LeBron to go? Do they want him to go to the G League? Because if he went to Cleveland, is that team stacked? Is Miami with Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo is that team stacked? Jokic and Jamal Murray is that team stacked? Ant Edwards, Rudy Gobert I don't know; he left Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves is that not? I don't understand the premise of the complaint," Windhorst said in response. — 7/28/2026 basketballnews.com
Shams Charania: "The Heat are among several championship contending teams that are monitoring Klay Thompson's situation and have interest in Klay Thompson potentially via trade or a buyout. Klay Thompson is in the final year of his deal. You know he wants to compete for a championship as a four-time ****** le winner. He signed on with the Mavs a couple years ago to play with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. A lot has changed in Dallas." — 7/27/2026 YouTube

#doncic #league

No matter where LeBron decides to go, it would be seen as him chasing rings, since almost every team in the league already has stars. "Where does Charles and the legends want LeBron to go? Do they want him to go to the G League? Because if he went to Cleveland, is that team stacked? Is Miami with Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo is that team stacked? Jokic and Jamal Murray is that team stacked? Ant Edwards, Rudy Gobert I don't know; he left Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves is that not? I don't understand the premise of the complaint," Windhorst said in response.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "Where does Charles and the legends want LeBron to go? …

#stacked #charles #cleveland #Miami

LAS VEGAS -- Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle came to the Nets this offseason after being with the Minnesota Timberwolves and competing for championships over the past two seasons. While Brooklyn likely has hopes of taking another step forward next season, that step may not be anything close to getting to the NBA Finals. Randle is understanding of that, but also sees the upside.
"I really think it’s just mindset and approach. The league is more balanced than it has ever been. Every game is a different game, every game matters," Randle said to the media in Las Vegas over the weekend. Randle, 31, joins a Brooklyn team that is coming off a 20-62 record in the 2025-26 season and despite adding the three-time All-Star, the Nets are likely winning around 30 games, barring any unforeseen moves.
"So, it's different obviously than the team I was on, than I was at in Minnesota; but I believe in our team. I believe in the talent that we have," Randle continued. "And I think it's really just how we approach every single game. It's really about what we believe as a group and not the outside noise or the expectation. It’s our expectation amongst ourselves, and what we believe as a group."
Randle is coming off another solid season as he averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.0 ******* ists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 48.1% from the field and 31.5% from behind the three-point line in 79 games played for the Timberwolves. As Minnesota was looking to return this summer, they traded Randle and the No. 28 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft (forward Joshua Jefferson) to the Nets in exchange for the No. 33 pick.
Randle goes from playing alongside Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert to sharing the floor with forward Michael Porter Jr. and guard Egor Demin, among others. Despite the fact that the Nets are leaning into the development of the younger players on the roster in Demin and guard Mikel Brown Jr., Randle is confident in what the team currently has and it seems like it will come down to how the team prepares for the upcoming season in training camp.

Stephen A. Smith, the well-known ESPN on-air personality, has landed in hot water a few times recently. While many people enjoy watching and listening to Smith as an entertainer, others see him as an example of what is wrong with modern journalism.
Draymond Green, a four-time NBA champion who has also ventured into the media **** e, told Jemele Hill on his podcast that he doesn't view Smith as a journalist because he doesn't do the kinds of things traditional journalists do, such as speaking to players in the locker room. The star forward also said that Smith compounds the problem by insisting that he is a journalist.
Now Smith has responded to Green.
On Smith's SiriusXM show, he had a bone to pick with Green and offered to talk to him on the air.
"You and I were pretty tight. Then, after the choking incident with Rudy Gobert and the slap to Jusuf Nurkić, I upset you because I called you and said it was difficult to defend you. We've never talked since that time," Smith said.

Quite a few people feel that the Los Angeles Lakers gave up too much to acquire center Walker Kessler. These people think that what the Lakers gave up to get Kessler — first-round draft picks in 2031 and 2033 and two first-round pick swaps — and the four-year, $130 million contract the Lakers will be giving the defensive standout are excessive.
However, some may be underselling the impact that Kessler will have on the Lakers. He's not only an excellent shot-blocker and rim protector, but he can make it easier for L.A.'s other players to play effective defense.
Tony Jones, who covers the Utah Jazz and the Philadelphia 76ers for The Athletic, got to take a close look at Kessler during the big man's four years with the Jazz. While on ESPN 710 L.A. radio, Jones gave a glowing ***** sment of the impact Kessler will have on Los Angeles.
When asked if Kessler can elevate a Lakers team that lacks plus defenders on the perimeter, Jones didn't hesitate to sing Kessler's praises.
"I think he can be another Rudy Gobert," Jones said, referring to the Minnesota Timberwolves center who has won four Defensive Player of the Year awards. "He's good enough defensively that he can be a walking top-10 defense.

Timberwolves make Anthony Edwards-centered pitch to Lakers' LeBron James, per report originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Timberwolves view the concept of signing Los Angeles Lakers 22-time All-Star LeBron James as much more than an enthralling offseason fantasy.
With James being up for grabs, the Timberwolves felt compelled to make an Anthony Edwards-centered pitch to the future Hall of Famer.
"The Minnesota Timberwolves have ramped up their push for LeBron James, with full belief that they are very much in the hunt to land one of the greatest players in NBA history," The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski wrote Friday.
"The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations, said the Timberwolves have been in contact with James' representatives with a bold pitch: team up with Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert to go after the kind of championship that could end any discussion about who is the greatest player of all time."

Brian Windhorst on the Timberwolves potentially trading Rudy Gobert for LaMelo Ball: "If the cost is Gobert, I can't see how they go forward. They won the series against the Nuggets because of Gobert. There is a height and size race in the Western Conference right now. So I'm not sure what the pathway is. I guess it's possible that they could expand the Julius Randle trade to a multiple team trade to open this door, but I do think Minnesota feels like they have to look at this, and I think Charlotte feels like they have to look at this. There's some other teams involved. Maybe we see a trade, maybe we don't. I don't think it's a guarantee."
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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "If the cost is Gobert, I can't see how they go …

Darryn Peterson has already made a huge promise to the Utah Jazz in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Since ending the Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert experiment, the Utah Jazz have been in search of their next franchise-altering star.
Many believe that the Jazz have found just that in Kansas Jayhawks star Darryn Peterson, who they selected using the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Before draft night, many experts argued that Peterson had a legitimate case to be selected as the No. 1 overall pick over AJ Dybantsa.
Peterson certainly believed that too, as when asked what he’d do to help the team that drafted him, the rookie showed nothing but confidence.

4A — Rudy Gobert
4B — Andrew Wiggins
4C — Christian Braun
4D — RJ Barrett
4E — Dyson Daniels
4F — Jalen Suggs

Tier 4 of our Player Tiers is the largest of the bunch, and includes a bevy of star names ⤵️

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