Final summer time, the Minnesota Timberwolves despatched shockwaves throughout the NBA after they traded 5 gamers and 5 future first-round draft picks to the Utah Jazz for All-Star heart Rudy Gobert.

Many scratched their heads and questioned what on this planet they had been considering, and a few even ridiculed them for giving up a lot capital for Gobert.

The pairing of Gobert and Karl-Anthony Cities on Minnesota’s frontline hasn’t labored very effectively, as Gobert is proscribed offensively, and the staff has so far fallen effectively in need of expectations.

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch informed Colin Cowherd that the considering behind the Gobert commerce was to go towards the grain and do one thing that nobody within the league is absolutely doing proper now.

.@Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch on pairing Rudy Gobert and KAT:

“We thought whereas the remainder of the league is zigging, we’d zag and see if it really works… Let’s try to be completely different.” pic.twitter.com/NebbFgotHO

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) March 1, 2023

Within the Nineties, the NBA was an enormous man’s sport dominated by distinguished facilities and energy forwards, and nearly each staff performed at a really sluggish tempo whereas solely exploring fast-break or early-offense alternatives when completely mandatory.

However over the past a number of years, offensive philosophies have shifted thanks to groups such because the four-time world champion Golden State Warriors, and the predominant type of play entails an up-tempo offense the place the ground is unfold out with a number of 3-point shooters.

Loads of groups shouldn’t have a single inside presence on offense, however the Timberwolves thought they’d have two in Gobert and Cities.

Nevertheless, they rank simply twenty third in offensive score, and Gobert’s numbers are down throughout the board this season.

There may be numerous strain on them to make this pairing work given all of the draft picks they gave as much as get Gobert, they usually appear to lack the belongings to exit and get extra items in an effort to make it work.

NEXT: 
The Timberwolves Are Struggling After A Current Commerce