The Dallas Mavericks' players, Dereck Lively II and Theo Pinson, criticized Minnesota Timberwolves' star Rudy Gobert for his underwhelming performance in the 2024 Western Conference Finals. Despite being the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Gobert struggled against Dallas, contributing to Minnesota's defeat. This criticism comes amidst ongoing speculation about Gobert's future with the Timberwolves, as the team faces financial challenges and potential roster changes. Timberwolves' president Tim Connelly expressed his desire to retain Gobert long-term, citing his importance to the team's core and recent improvements. Gobert, who suffered a finger injury during the Olympics, remains a contentious figure due to his high salary and postseason performances.