Via the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
The Timberwolves’ plan this offseason was to ease center Rudy Gobert back into action after he led France to a silver medal in the Eurobasket tournament.
Gobert sat out the Wolves’ first preseason game at Miami before playing in Thursday night’s 114-99 victory over the split-squad Lakers, who sat LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley in Las Vegas…
Gobert is not only the best rim protector of this generation, but he is also one of the best defensive rebounders in the league. Thursday’s game was evidence of just how much he will help the Wolves in that area too.
Gobert played only 17 minutes, but he had 12 rebounds in that time. The Lakers had a small lineup on the floor, and Gobert towered over them. He made rebounding look easier than it ever did last season for the Wolves. Offensively, Gobert had five points and three assists as he worked with guards D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards on their screen-and-roll game.
The Timberwolves are 2-0 so far this preseason.
