So for those who don't follow the Timberwolves closely. (Remember, I've been a fan since the expansion year of 1989-1990, been following them religiously ever since.)
Slo Mo (Kyle Anderson) is a very, very vocal, up front, New Jersey guy. He leads by example, and isn't afraid to call out anyone (which being from NY, and being of the same mindset, I very much respect). He's become one of the main leaders on the team. Gobert, on the flip side, is a very sensitive person, who does some very dumb things. Earlier this year, he kicked an opponent in the crotch, on purpose, and then feigned like he didn't do it. He got called out for that. So here we are, last game of the season, and Gobert is almost begging out of the game because of "back spasms." He makes a big deal out of it that he's going to play. Then he plays, and he's being as soft as a newborn baby's ass. Kyle called him out on it. Kyle made a bad play the possession before, so Gobert chirps at Kyle in response. Kyle then tell his him to go get an f'in rebound, and stop being an f'in bitch. Gobert then punched Anderson.
Gobert was sent to the locker room to cool off. At halftime, they get into it again, and the team sends Gobert home. Timberwolves rally (behind Anderson, Prince, Edwards, and Towns), and win the game. Gobert gives apology, team suspends him anyway (which I agree with) for tonight's game against the Lakers. Anderson can be blunt. But blunt leadership is often needed to pull people in line. And if you can't take it, GTFO. Very pleased that Gobert is at home for tonight's game.
IMO, the whole Gobert thing was a mistake from the get-go. There's no doubt that Timberwolves overachieved last season with their roster. They had no size and no defense (kind of like the Kings this year). But they had grit and shooting. Tim Connelly is hired. Instead of waiting to see what opens up, he immediately decides to overhaul the roster. Big mistake. That trade for Gobert would have been there mid-season. But instead, he pulls the trigger and really upsets the apple cart. He did, however, sign Kyle Anderson immediately once free agency opened, so that is a plus. He also made a great trade getting rid of DLo for a calming presence in Mike Conley who is a way better defender and distributor. Anyway, with Towns going down for 50+ games, the team struggles to find an identity, and somehow gets to 42-20, despite losing to the Pistons 2x, the Hornets, the Magic, Houston, and San Antonio.
The problem is, two of those key guys that kept us afloat, Naz Reid (if you don't know, go find out) and Jaden McDaniels, are both out for the rest of the season, for however long that is. Naz broke his wrist dunking too hard (typical Wolves moment), and McDaniels, who should be on an all defensive team at season's end, got mad at what was happening on the floor last game, and stupidly (as young men can be sometimes) punches a curtain that he doesn't realize has a concrete wall behind it, and breaks HIS hand (another typical Wolves moment).
So, for tonight, we're down two starters (Gobert and McDaniels) and basically our woefully underrated backup PF/C (who would be a starter on probably 2/3 the teams in the NBA). The chips are down, for sure. The right move was made with Gobert, but tonight is going to be a battle. I still very much think the Timberwolves can, and WILL beat the Lakers, but it's going to go down to the wire.
Kyle Anderson slides into the starting PF slot, and Taurean Prince (again, if you don't know, go find out) moves up to SF. Our lineup will likely be:
C - Towns
PF - Anderson
SF - Prince
SG - Edwards
PG - Conley
The bench will be thin. We basically have Alexander-Walker and McLaughlin available to spell the guards, and the front court relief...it'll be thin. My guess is, all the starters will play close to 40 min tonight.
At the end of the season, hopefully at least a playoff series away, Connelly is going to have to find a way to swallow his ego and ditch Gobert. I think he can, if he takes back a bad contract. A lot of teams want a locked up big man with Gobert's pedigree. We won't get four first round picks, but who cares? If we can get 1 first rounder, and a solid rotation player, it's addition by subtraction with this guy. He doesn't fit the locker room. We'll resign Naz Reid, who will become a starter, and all will be right in Timberwolves world.
Just hoping we can get past the Lakers and put up a huge fight in the first round. Anything else is gravy.