The Minnesota Timberwolves were unable to make a third consecutive trip to the Western Conference Finals, eventually running out of steam against the San Antonio Spurs.
The organization is now tasked with figuring out how to avoid falling down the pecking order in the West. An NFL legend believes the changes should probably start with four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.
NFL Legend Rips Rudy Gobert For Not Helping Timberwolves
NFL legend Shannon Sharpe blasted Gobert on the latest edition of “Nightcap.”
While discussing the Timberwolves, Sharpe said “We’ve seen this far too many times that Rudy Gobert becomes unplayable. You cannot have a guy making 40, 50 million dollars, I don’t care the position, that becomes unplayable. I can’t have Rudy on the court. Because, not only is he a liability defensively, he’s more of a liability offensively. He give me nothing.”
Shannon Sharpe GOES OFF on Rudy Gobert 😳
“We’ve seen this far too many times that Rudy Gobert becomes unplayable. You cannot have a guy making 40, $50 million. I don’t care the position that becomes unplayable. How is my point guard? If I got a point guard, Joe, and I’m paying… pic.twitter.com/7vSSd4dXM7
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) May 16, 2026
Gobert had a rough finish as the Timberwolves fell to the ascending Spurs in six games. He had four points, eight rebounds, and a block combined over the last two games of the series, along with a plus/minus rating of -25. As Sharpe states, it’s tough to win at the highest level when the starting center is providing such lackluster production.
Gobert’s shortcomings during the series were especially disappointing, considering the praise he received a few weeks earlier as he stopped Denver Nuggets franchise player Nikola Jokić for much of the first round series. However, Sharpe’s comments will likely start another discussion regarding the three-time All-Star’s place in the NBA.
Gobert has been criticized in the past by NBA champions Shaquille O’Neal and Draymond Green, among others, as someone who isn’t as good as their resume suggests. While Gobert is often among the league leaders in field goal percentage each season, he’s been strongly criticized for not expanding his offensive game to adapt to the modern NBA.
Gobert’s limited offensive skills are why O’Neal controversially called out his career earnings, believing Gobert has been overpaid.
While Gobert, who has earned over $296 million in his career, is an elite rim protector, his defense away from the basket has been exposed multiple times in the playoffs. Elite isolation scorers like Kawhi Leonard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Dončić have put Gobert on the wrong end of highlights and given Gobert’s critics ammunition.
Gobert turns 34 soon and will have to improve offensively next season. The Timberwolves probably won’t receive strong trade offers this summer if they put Gobert on the market. Gobert has been vocal about using criticism as fuel, so perhaps Sharpe’s comments will motivate him to come back next season on a mission.
