After their deflating Game 3 loss against the Dallas Mavericks, the Minnesota Timberwolves were left with more questions than answers. A critical moment involved an Anthony Edwards turnover and a questionable decision to keep Wolves center Rudy Gobert in the game, leading to a Luka Dončić switch onto the Frenchmen, where Dončić delivered his patented stepback played all Memorial Day weekend. This scenario, where Gobert appeared helpless, reignited criticism of the four-time Defensive Player of the Year, who is often labeled a defensive liability during the playoffs.
ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins voiced his frustration on ESPN’s First Take, addressing Stephen A. Smith’s claim that the bulk of the blame should be placed on Anthony Edwards for the Timberwolves’ 3-0 deficit. Perkins strongly disagreed, suggesting Smith needed a day off for his opinion.
“Does Anthony Edwards play a part in this? Yes, but he’s out there actually competing. He’s seeing different coverages, getting double-teamed at times, and Coach Finch on the sideline is not helping him out on the offensive side. Let me say this: I have the biggest regret in my media career for voting for individual awards. Me voting this season for Rudy Gobert as Defensive Player of the Year is an embarrassment.”
Perkins continued, “Gobert is the first player we have seen in the postseason who consistently becomes a defensive liability. Don’t bring me these analytics or plus-minus stats; those are the most overrated stats in the NBA. Rudy has tarnished the Defensive Player of the Year Award. He’s not respected by his peers. We saw what happened to him in the Denver series. He couldn’t guard his position. Karl-Anthony Towns did a better job. Do we realize he has three blocks in three games? He’s averaging one block a game at 7’3″. Unacceptable.”
Perkins did not hold back, and he was correct in his sentiments. Gobert’s consistent defensive shortcomings in the playoffs are inexcusable. Despite winning the award four times, his lack of defense has contributed to his team’s losses multiple times. Check out the video of Perkins’ rant below.
