Rudy Gobert, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ dominant big man and four-time Defensive Player of the Year, is known for his defensive prowess rather than his shooting ability. This offseason, the 12-year NBA veteran has committed to improving his offensive game by working on Rudy Gobert shooting improvement drills with renowned shooting coach Chris Matthews, nicknamed the ‘Lethal Shooter.’
The training routine begins with working on shots from 3 to 10 feet, a critical area where Gobert struggled last season, shooting only 32.4% according to Basketball-Reference. The drills gradually progress to more advanced moves such as pick-and-pop actions and pull-up midrange jumpers in an effort to expand his scoring options.
Key Areas Targeted for Offensive Growth
Improving Gobert’s footwork and developing a more consistent release around the basket could significantly increase his scoring impact for the Timberwolves. Although the pick-and-pop and pull-up shots seem less likely to be heavily featured in his NBA game, these moves provide additional offensive versatility.
The thought of Gobert attempting to pop out for a jump shot or pull up off the dribble at the top of the key is unusual for fans accustomed to seeing him roll to the basket after setting screens. It also raises questions about how teammates, like star guard Anthony Edwards, might react to such changes in Gobert’s play style.
A Common Path for Non-Shooting Big Men
Gobert’s dedication to improving his shooting mirrors that of other big men in the league who have shared videos of their offseason work on shooting skills. A well-known example is Mitchell Robinson, who has showcased relentless efforts in pickup games. Although these improvements rarely translate immediately into NBA success, they highlight the determination of some of the league’s least proficient shooters to grow their offensive games.
Ultimately, Gobert’s work this offseason could signal the emergence of a new version of the player: a “stretch big” who offers Minnesota more offensive threats beyond defending the rim and finishing close to the basket.
Potential Impact on Gobert’s Career and the Timberwolves
Should these Rudy Gobert shooting improvement drills yield results in the regular season, they could greatly enhance Gobert’s offensive role, providing the Timberwolves with more scoring options and strategic flexibility. Expanding his shooting range and consistency would force defenders to respect his jump shot, potentially opening up better opportunities for teammates like Edwards.
While it remains uncertain how much of this transformation will manifest during games, Gobert’s offseason commitment marks a significant step in evolving his overall offensive game as he enters his 13th NBA season.