Rudy Gobert was criticized for his performance in Game 1. The 4× NBA Defensive Player of the Year was called out by retired NBA player Kenyon Martin in the latest segment of Gil’s Arena Podcast. The former NBA player even went as far as to call the French man a liability for his team. After watching Uncle Drew and his squad dominate the first half of the game and ultimately win against the Wolves 108-105, Martin seemed skeptical about the French man’s impact on the game

He particularly spoke about Gobert’s defending skills against pick-and-roll plays involving Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. 

“Rudy Gobert ain’t gonna be a factor because of how they gotta play because he’s a liability. If they don’t get up on the screens with him, they don’t have a chance in hell because Luka and Kyrie just going to pick and pro…” Martin said on the Gils Arena podcast. 

That reminds us of Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem’s brutally honest opinion. In his podcast, he suggested that the Timberwolves’ performance wouldn’t be affected even if the French man missed the playoffs. Moreover, Martin believes that Gobert’s performance is benefiting the opponents rather than helping his own squad. Again Martin isn’t the only one to point out these weaknesses, nor is he the first.

Analysts criticized Rudy Gobert’s defensive abilities

If we look closely at Minnesota Timberwolves’ Games 3 and 4 against the Nuggets, do we see the issue? Analyst Skip Bayless was the first to point out the drawbacks. Bayless criticized Gobert for not being able to handle the Denver Nuggets’ Big man, Nikola Jokic. Once again, the analyst blamed the Frenchman for giving away a golden opportunity to defeat the Nuggets. Karl-Anthony Towns’ poor performance was also questioned. However, the Wolves finally managed to beat one of their strongest opponents.

While some like Draymond Green believe that Gobert’s defense game has improved, others, such as Paul Pierce hold the same opinion as Bayless. Shaquille O’Neal also seemed baffled about this odd situation where Gobert struggles to guard, particularly in the postseason. Even ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins agreed. Perkins didn’t show mercy as he criticized Gobert’s poor performance against Jokic and Aaron Gordan in the previous back-to-back defeats. 

Speaking on a segment of ‘Get Up,’ Perkins said, “Isn’t Rudy Gobert the Defensive Player of the Year? Why is it all the time he’s the Defensive Player of the Year in the regular season but he’s a defensive liability come playoff time?” He further added, “I’m tired of the man playing sassy. There’s a level of physicality that he needs to play with, there’s a level of expectation that he has to uphold.” 

Perkins is right about the expectations. But the question is whether Gobert will be able to handle the Mavericks’ power duo. What’s your take? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.