The Minnesota Timberwolves have faced defensive challenges when Rudy Gobert is off the court, but the addition of Kyle Anderson has been a game-changer. While Gobert's presence results in a strong 109.1 defensive rating, his absence has previously seen that number spike to 120.1. Enter Anderson, whose impact without Gobert has brought the defensive rating down to an impressive 105.2, even surpassing the Gobert minutes and ranking as the league's best.
Now, it's important to note that this is based on a relatively small sample size of 252 possessions, so maintaining this elite level may be challenging. However, Anderson's role as a backup center is clearly addressing some of the defensive woes during non-Gobert minutes.
Anderson isn't replicating Gobert's rim protection, but he's certainly adding more than Julius Randle and Naz Reid. His high basketball IQ is a crucial factor, enhancing the team's communication and cohesion. Watching the games, you can see how he positions his teammates and makes critical rotations, contesting shots when necessary.
On the offensive side, Anderson's versatility shines. His ability to switch in pick-and-roll situations and act as a playmaking hub makes him invaluable-a true Swiss Army knife on the court.
Reflecting on Anderson's past performance with the Timberwolves, it's no surprise he's making such a significant impact. Two years ago, the team enjoyed a solid 108.3 defensive rating with Anderson on and Gobert off the court.
However, there's still room for improvement in lineup management. A significant portion of Anderson's minutes, 38.8 percent, are spent alongside Gobert, which isn't ideal. The pairing results in poor floor spacing and a struggling offensive rating of 100.6, ranking at the bottom of the league.
For the Timberwolves to truly capitalize on Anderson's strengths, it's crucial for Chris Finch to minimize his minutes with Gobert. Overall, Anderson's influence in his second stint with the Wolves has been nothing short of transformative.