Minnesota Timberwolves: serious contenders for this year's trophy?

The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Rudy Gobert in exchange for a number of assets and draft picks in the summer of 2022. At the time, many felt the Timberwolves had paid too much. Despite a rought start, Gobert became the pillar that makes the Timberwolves a ring contending team again, after Kevin Garnett lead the franchise to the Western Conference Finals, back in 2004.

The 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons did not meet expectations. The Timberwolves finished both seasons as the seventh- and eighth-ranked team in the Western Conference, respectively.

But, in the current 2023 season, after overcoming injuries, obstacles and player development, they seem to be here to stay.

Gobert has contributed significantly to transforming the Timberwolves into true contenders. As of mid-January, they lead the Western Conference and boast the NBA's second-best record.

The core of the success lies in the french center, one of the best defenders in the NBA and a player who could be considered top ten in the world for his importance to the team. His defensive impact has been consistent, leading the DRPM in the 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.

This campaign, he has carried that defensive influence to Minnesota, making them the best defensive team in the league.

Anthony Edwards, the dynamic shooting guard, has evolved as a scorer and is proving his worth in the playoffs. His steady improvement in points and efficiency suggests he could play at MVP level this postseason.

Karl-Anthony Towns, with the presence of Gobert and the rise of Edwards, has maximized his impact, being a key player on both offense and defense, completing the team's menace to the league this year.