ESPN NBA insider Tim McMahon publicly criticized Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert on Wednesday, accusing the four-time Defensive Player of the Year of "crying" about offensive touches following recent comments involving teammate Kyle Anderson.
Speaking on ESPN's NBA Today, McMahon addressed Gobert's comments and suggested the veteran center should focus on the role he has played in helping Minnesota find success this season.
"Rudy... who has the ball? Anthony Edwards has the ball. These are the same kind of comments that used to get under Donovan Mitchell's skin at Utah. Now fortunately, the ant's skin has gotten really thick. I mean, that kind of stuff blows up but Rudy, you guys are rolling. You don't have to complain about not touching the ball. Protect the rim, like you did with four Defensive Player of the Year awards. Run the floor, set screens, roll. If you don't touch the ball much, this is not the time to rock the boat.
McMahon's comments came shortly after Gobert spoke about Anderson, who recently returned to the Timberwolves after signing with the team last week following a buyout from the Memphis Grizzlies.
"Rudy, you guys are rolling. You don't have to complain about not touching the ball. Protect the rim, like you did to get four Defensive Player of the Year awards."@BannedMacMahon On Rudy Gobert after his comments about Kyle Anderson as a guy who 'wants to pass...' pic.twitter.com/o8PIrbeal0
- NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) 4 March 2026
Gobert addressed Anderson's playmaking ability after Minnesota's 117-110 win over Memphis on Tuesday. While discussing what Anderson has added to the offense, Gobert made light-hearted comments about ball movement early on.
“I think just passing the ball…Yeah, somebody that wants to pass the ball to his teammates.”
NBA insider criticizes Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert after Kyle Anderson comments
Gobert later clarified that Anderson's value went beyond that comment, emphasizing his ability to connect the offense and facilitate opportunities for others.
"But yes, he's a coordinator. So, someone who makes plays for his teammates."
Anderson spent parts of three seasons with the Timberwolves before departing for the Golden State Warriors. He was later traded to the Miami Heat last season, then transferred again in the offseason to the Utah Jazz, before Utah dealt him to the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this season. Following a buyout in Memphis, Anderson returned to Minnesota, giving the Timberwolves another experienced ball-handler and facilitator with All-Star guard Anthony Edwards.
Minnesota continues to maintain strong momentum in the Western Conference heading into the 2025–26 season. The Timberwolves improved to 39-23 after Tuesday's win over the Grizzlies and are currently in fourth place in the conference standings.
Gobert remains a central figure in the team's defensive identity. Known for rim protection and rebounding, the French center has had a stellar career highlighted by four Defensive Player of the Year awards and multiple All-Star selections.
The Timberwolves will look to extend their current four-game winning streak when they host the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 pm ET as Minnesota continues a three-game homestand.
