The Minnesota Timberwolves’ acquisition of three-time All-Star Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz was a consolidation of resources of sorts, sending Minnesota’s valuable role players away in exchange for elite rim protection and rebounding.
In came Hall of Fame-level defense, but out went perimeter defense, leadership and floor spacing. Malik Beasley’s sharpshooter-off-the-bench role was up for grabs heading into the season, with the player likely to absorb those minutes being Jaylen Nowell.
Nowell started the year strong by averaging 16 points per game through the first five games, but since then he’s scored in double figures in just six of the last 16 games.