Chauncey Billups Critiques Rudy Gobert's Playoff Defense

Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, has criticized Rudy Gobert's defensive abilities, particularly in playoff situations, despite acknowledging him as a great regular-season defender. Billups highlighted Gobert's struggles with space and pick-and-rolls, stating that opposing teams often target him during critical games, which undermines his Defensive Player of the Year accolades. In the 2023-24 playoffs, Gobert's performance declined, averaging 11.8 points and 7.6 rebounds, raising concerns about his impact on the Timberwolves' potential for growth. Billups noted that while Gobert excels at rim protection, he becomes a liability when teams exploit his weaknesses. This scrutiny reflects a broader debate on evaluating defensive prowess against playoff effectiveness, especially as the Timberwolves aim to maximize Gobert's strengths while addressing his limitations. The Timberwolves' overall improvement still leaves uncertainties about their development, largely influenced by Gobert's performance.