RudyGobert

Preseason question: Over the past decade, few things in the NBA have been as certain as the fact that whatever team had Rudy Gobert would have an elite defense. He’s held down the middle for years—originally as a dropback rim protector, and more recently as a big who’s willing (and able) to pick up higher on the floor. This season, however, will be Gobert’s biggest test in years. How long can Rudy keep propping up high-level defenses? There isn’t as much size or defensive acumen around him, which makes the Wolves all the more reliant on him to serve as a backstop. Gobert is one of the most accomplished defensive players in the history of the league, but he’s also 34 years old and in his 14th NBA season, with plenty of miles logged in international play besides. How much longer can his prowess reasonably last? And how long can Minnesota take it as a point of fact?