Despite slow start, Gobert thriving with KAT out

Although off to a slow start by normal Rudy Gobert standards, the center is turning a corner with the Timberwolves, and the only question now is if he can keep it up when Karl-Anthony Towns returns.

Video Transcript

- The dance between Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves was bound to be a delicate one, as the team was changing its style of play in order to fit the defensive stalwart into the starting lineup. But even with what many categorized as a slow start, Gobert is still a top-50 player in 9-cat formats.

And he had one of his best games of the season in Minnesota's January 6 win over the Clippers. Accounting for 25 points, 21 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots. Shooting 11 of 15 from the field. Since Karl-Anthony Towns strained his right calf on November 28, Gobert has appeared in 15 games. Averaging 14.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.4 blocks. Shooting 72% from the field and 58% from the foul line.

Those numbers aren't great, but the scoring average is slightly higher than the mark produced prior to Towns's injury, as Gobert averaged 13.8 points on 64% shooting. The hope for fantasy managers is that Gobert can build on his performance against the Clippers and go on a run before Towns returns at the end of the month.

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