Wolves' Rudy Gobert Responds to NBA DPOY Criticism: 'Numbers Don't Lie'

Rudy Gobert isn't a fan of criticism surrounding his ability to switch and guard smaller players.

The Minnesota Timberwolves center told Sportskeeda's Mark Medina that "numbers don't lie" when discussing his defense on guards and shorter forwards.

"Just look at the numbers," Gobert said. "Media manipulation and perception is one thing. But look at who is in the top five with guarding on switches last year or in isos. Look at the numbers. Numbers don't lie."

The 32-year-old was extremely effective when switching throughout the 2023-24 season. He allowed the fewest points per direct isolations in switch situations among players to defend at least 175 isolation possessions, per ESPN's Tim MacMahon (h/t Medina).

Gobert won the fourth Defensive Player of the Year award of his career in 2024, helping the Timberwolves finish the regular season with a record of 56-26 and earn a trip to the Western Conference Finals. He's tied with Basketball Hall of Fame centers Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace as the only players in NBA history to earn Defensive Player of the Year honors four times.

Minnesota finished with a 108.4 defensive rating during its 2023-24 campaign, the best mark in the association (via NBA.com).

The 32-year-old will attempt to help the Timberwolves go on another long playoff run following the blockbuster trade with the New York Knicks involving Karl-Anthony Towns.

All-Star power forward Julius Randle and sharpshooter Donte DiVincenzo headlined the package that Minnesota received in exchange for Towns, as both players should immediately contribute in head coach Chris Finch's rotation.

The Timberwolves' regular season starts with a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 22.