Gobert is one of the best defensive players we’ve ever had

The pairing of Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert and current star Karl Anthony-Towns from Utah has generated a variety of opinions.

Coach Chris Finch will have to make several changes to the TWolves’ playing scheme by having two men who have played the position much of their professional careers.

But is KAT the classic center who makes a living during games in the paint? Clearly not and precisely about that the Dominican has an opinion on the matter.

“I think Rudy (Gobert) is one of the best defensive players we’ve had in the NBA. He has the stuff to prove it,” Towns said in an interview with CBS Sports. “I think I’m one of the best offensive players and talents the NBA has ever seen. So putting us together really gives us a full spectrum of talent to use.”

The controversy is that two 7-foot-plus guys can coexist in an NBA that recently appreciates smaller lineups more, with quick guys and long-range shooters.

Towns has shown that with his ball handling and efficient long-range shooting (41% shooting last season) he can play the four position and pair with another big man in the quintet.

In the interview with CBS Sports, KAT mentioned that he has played power forward before and gave the example of Gorgui Dieng who played for the Timberwolves from 2013 through 2020 until he was traded in a trade involving the Grizzlies and Heat.

However Towns has never played with a center of the quality and baggage of Rudy Gobert, a three-time All-Star Game selection and Defensive Player of the Year pick for the 2018, 2019 and 2021 seasons.

“I have fun going out there and being able to back up Rudy (Gobert) when muscle is needed with position players five or four and we’re playing with big man lineups or whatever, and then if they switch to a small lineup, I’m very comfortable with my chances to defend point guards and things like that, on the perimeter,” Towns adds.

The undeniable question is whether Towns and Gobert can work together on the court to become perhaps the most dominant (and versatile?) pair of big men the league has had in recent seasons, as the organization expects a significant improvement over last season. Just making the playoffs is not enough for a team that aspires to more.