Rudy Gobert, the formidable center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, is renowned for many basketball talents, though shooting proficiency isn`t typically among them. A four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Gobert is celebrated as one of the NBA`s premier rim protectors and an effective offensive finisher in the paint, but his scoring versatility has never been considered a strength.
The veteran, now in his twelfth NBA season, is dedicating his offseason to enhancing his offensive skillset, specifically his shooting form. This endeavor includes collaborating with acclaimed shooting instructor Chris Matthews, better known as `Lethal Shooter`. A recently shared video showcases Gobert`s training, initially concentrating on shots from the 3-to-10-foot range, a logical starting point, before progressing to more ambitious drills like pick-and-pops and mid-range pull-up jumpers.
Focusing on his interior game is indeed vital for Gobert, given his modest 32.4% shooting accuracy from 3-10 feet last season, as reported by Basketball-Reference. Refinements in his footwork and achieving a more fluid shot release in this critical zone could significantly elevate his overall game, making him a more formidable offensive presence for the Timberwolves.
While training on pick-and-pops and off-dribble shots appears less directly applicable to his primary role in NBA games, it`s amusing to ponder the implications. One can only imagine Anthony Edwards` astonishment if Gobert were to pop out for a shot after a screen instead of rolling to the basket, or if he were to face up a defender at the top of the key and attempt a two-dribble pull-up.
Gobert`s foray into shooting drills via social media is reminiscent of many other non-shooting big men who`ve shared similar training footage online, with Mitchell Robinson`s energetic pickup game displays often cited as a prime example. While such offseason improvements seldom fully materialize in competitive NBA action, these videos do highlight that even the league`s less prolific shooters possess exceptional talent in a solitary gym or casual game. Nevertheless, the dynamic dramatically shifts when facing a towering 7-foot defender. Still, the possibility remains: could `stretch big Rudy Gobert` become a surprising reality in his thirteenth professional season?
