Minnesota Timberwolves veteran center Rudy Gobert has opened up about the team’s growing reputation for vocal antics on the court, defending the practice as a catalyst for superstar guard Anthony Edwards while contrasting it with his own more restrained approach.
The Timberwolves have drawn attention not only for their fast-paced style of play and a three-game winning streak to open the season, but also for establishing a reputation as one of the most vocal, trash-talking squads in the NBA.
Speaking to reporters following the team’s victory against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, Gobert addressed whether he had previously played on a roster with a similar penchant for verbal engagement. While acknowledging that he has shared the floor with talkative teams in the past, the veteran center emphasized that communication on the floor can serve a constructive purpose as long as it is backed up by performance.
“Yeah, I mean, I’ve played for many years. I think we don’t want to be a team that talks too much. I think talk is cheap, but just got to talk enough. I think Ant and a few more guys, without naming them, they get going by talking a little bit. So I think that’s a good thing, as long as we act,” Gobert told the media.
While Edwards and other teammates find a competitive spark in the back-and-forth banter, Gobert maintains a different personal philosophy. Rather than engaging in verbal exchanges with opponents, the defensive anchor prefers to let his play dictate the tone, noting a personal belief in karma on the hardwood.
“I get going from the start. We talk or we don’t, I just get going with the actions,” Gobert said. “While the talking can be fun, can be funny, but I value the actions. I always had the more humble approach when it comes to the game. I believe in the basketball gods. I always feel like when I talk too much, they bite me back. So everyone is different. As long as we don’t lose focus and we stay locked in what we need to do, I don’t mind.”
Alongside addressing the team’s emotional identity, Gobert discussed his individual responsibilities on the floor this season. The center noted that his core assignment remains largely unchanged from previous campaigns, centered around anchoring the defense while expanding his impact on the offensive end through specific contributions.
“Not really. My role is the same. My role is to be who I am. Be the best in the world at what I do,” Gobert stated. “And then offensively, just dominate, dominate, dominate in my own way, with my running, with my screening, my offensive rebound. Then, of course, punish teams on the basket and maybe more. We’ll see.”
