Minnesota's defense has been elite (#1 ranked; -11.9 rDRTG)

[Xiao Yao You]

None of that matters. The playoffs will prove everything we need to know. He can't do anything in the regular season to remove the stain from his reputation.

The stain of winning two series as the underdog? He's done nothing but over achieve every step of the way

[Carbine]

I'm speaking about his individual play. Being hunted on defense when your the DPOY many times over. It's likely not to change either, considering you don't get better at defense as you pass 30 years old.

[Xiao Yao You]

I'm speaking about his individual play. Being hunted on defense when your the DPOY many times over. It's likely not to change either, considering you don't get better at defense as you pass 30 years old.

He's obviously getting better after 30. Try hunting him when he only has to guard one guy not 5

[Real Men Wear Green]

I'm speaking about his individual play. Being hunted on defense when your the DPOY many times over. It's likely not to change either, considering you don't get better at defense as you pass 30 years old.

The ability to exploit him depends on the matchup. Which Western teams can play a mobile stretch 5 without suffering defensively?

[RRR3]

The ability to exploit him depends on the matchup. Which Western teams can play a mobile stretch 5 without suffering defensively?

It doesn’t have to be a 5. Clippers destroyed him and the Jazz by going small. Every team can do that. The reason they can do that is because Rudy is inept on offense and can’t punish teams for going small.

[Xiao Yao You]

The ability to exploit him depends on the matchup. Which Western teams can play a mobile stretch 5 without suffering defensively?

He can guard the perimeter just fine. In Utah it was either play him with another big and have Favors spotting up for 3's in the corner or play a 6'4 PF in O'Neale. If he's pulled away from the rim you still have another 7 footer in McDaniels at the rim not to mention Towns if he's still around. Having 5 guys playing D together makes a big difference over expecting one guy to cover for everyone because your so called superstar has to save himself for offense

[Carbine]

The ability to exploit him depends on the matchup. Which Western teams can play a mobile stretch 5 without suffering defensively?

IA vast majority of the contenders.

[FireDavidKahn]

I'm speaking about his individual play. Being hunted on defense when your the DPOY many times over. It's likely not to change either, considering you don't get better at defense as you pass 30 years old.

The huge difference now is that there are other elite defenders to help Rudy out. You're right, when he was isolated on the perimeter vs. Quick guards he couldn't do much against that. In Minnesota we have multiple competent/elite perimeter defenders so it won't be that big of an issue

[Xiao Yao You]

you still have to rebound the ball. That's what makes this team special in today's game. They are playing bigger than anyone while not suffering defensively. Only team to out rebound the Jazz the other team playing big but unlike the Wolves they can't defend. Gobert has a winning record over Jokic for his career

[tpols]

The ability to exploit him depends on the matchup. Which Western teams can play a mobile stretch 5 without suffering defensively?

Denver Nuggets.

[tpols]

you still have to rebound the ball. That's what makes this team special in today's game. They are playing bigger than anyone while not suffering defensively. Only team to out rebound the Jazz the other team playing big but unlike the Wolves they can't defend. Gobert has a winning record over Jokic for his career

Yolk spanked him in the 1st round just last year. And is 9-4 against him in the playoffs.

[Xiao Yao You]

Denver Nuggets.

last team Denver wants to play. Gobert has a winning record vs Jokic

[Xiao Yao You]

Yolk spanked him in the 1st round just last year. And is 9-4 against him in the playoffs.

How did Towns do in that series after missing most of the year? They've had Conley through training camp now. Obviously a different team. The stank of D'Angelo is long gone

[tpols]

last team Denver wants to play. Gobert has a winning record vs Jokic

Not in the playoffs he doesn't. Not close either.

[Real Men Wear Green]

It doesn’t have to be a 5. Clippers destroyed him and the Jazz by going small. Every team can do that. The reason they can do that is because Rudy is inept on offense and can’t punish teams for going small.

If you don't have a rim protector or there you are going to suffer defensively. You can't be giving up easy offensive rebounds and letting Edwards and the rest get layups. Is your noncenter going to score enough points from distance to make this worthwhile? I don't see it. There's a reason why teams still play at least one big, you still need size.