During a recent discussion, Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II and former player Theo Pinson criticized Rudy Gobert's performance in the NBA playoffs, particularly during the Western Conference Finals against the Mavericks. Pinson argued that despite Gobert's hefty salary of $40-$50 million, his on-court presence did not justify the investment, especially given his struggles against Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Lively echoed this sentiment, stating there was 'zero reason' for Gobert to be on the court due to his underwhelming performance. The critique sparked a debate among fans on social media, with some pointing out the irony of Lively voicing such opinions as a rookie with a similar skill set to Gobert. While Gobert's defensive contributions during the regular season have been recognized, the discussion highlights the ongoing challenges NBA teams face in balancing player salaries with performance effectiveness. The Timberwolves may need to reassess Gobert's role moving forward to optimize their playoff strategy.