Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

‘And there was one…’ $41 million earning Rudy Gobert excels over Steph Curry, LeBron James, and other highest paid stars

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Ubong Archibong | Last updated 5/21/24

Rudy Gobert, the Minnesota Timberwolves center, has faced intense criticism this season, where many have considered him overrated and his contract excessive. However, he had proven his detractors wrong when he helped his team defeat the defending champions and reach the Western Conference Finals.

However, Rudy Gobert is the only player among the 15 highest-paid players this season in the NBA that is still playing in the playoffs. Many of the other top-paid players, including Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, failed to lead their teams to the playoffs or were eliminated in the play-in tournament.

Despite facing a tough road to redemption, Gobert has played a key role in the Timberwolves’ success, which included their thrilling 4-3 series victory over the Denver Nuggets. The team has been significantly better with him on the court, as they boast a +111 rating, the highest among all players in the 2024 playoffs.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NBA on ESPN (@nbaonespn)

Gobert’s success will be put to the test in the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, who have two dangerous elite ball-handlers, who could potentially exploit him. However, Gobert has already proven himself worthy of his massive contract and has vindicated himself as a crucial player for the Timberwolves.

Rudy Gobert responds to Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley suggested benching Rudy Gobert during Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets, as he cited Gobert’s struggles and Nikola Jokic’s dominance. Barkley believed this would create space for the future face of the NBA, Anthony Edwards, and improve the team’s chances.

Gobert dismissed Barkley’s comments after the game, saying he doesn’t pay attention to pundits and is glad Coach Finch didn’t take the advice. Gobert’s performance proved his value to the team, and he was instrumental in the win.

Rudy Gobert said after the T-Wolves’ Game 7 win:

I don’t watch these guys, so I don't know what to talk about. But I know they have to talk about something and they have to talk about us that are on the court. I’m glad coach didn’t listen to his advice. Rudy Gobert said

Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert on TNT’s Charles Barkley suggesting he should be benched in Game 7 win over Nuggets: “I don’t watch these guys. … I’m glad coach didn’t listen to his advice.” pic.twitter.com/RLjW0RYn9y
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) May 20, 2024

However, Coach Chris Finch kept Gobert in the game, and he played a key role in the Timberwolves’ stunning comeback victory. They overcame a 15-point halftime deficit to win 98-90 and advance to the Western Conference Finals.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: