When the Minnesota Timberwolves traded for Rudy Gobert, it was supposed to be an aggressive move that took the team into contention in the West. Instead, the Timberwolves have taken a step back despite a talented core of Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns and Gobert.
And on Sunday, Gobert managed to make matters worse for the team as it heads into the play-in tournament.
During the first half of Minnesota’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans, broadcast cameras caught an argument on the bench between Gobert and teammate Kyle Anderson. That argument turned physical when Gobert threw a punch at Anderson and was later escorted to the locker room.
Oh my Rudy Gobert just threw a punch at his own teammate Kyle Anderson pic.twitter.com/6GP5wwkCqW
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) April 9, 2023
Just yikes.
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Teammates disagree from time to time, and emotions can run high during games. But still, you cannot throw a punch at your own teammate. It just can’t happen.
The fact that the altercation took place during the first half had to make for an awkward scene in that locker room. The team sent Gobert home before halftime even ended.
Timberwolves have sent Rudy Gobert home after Gobert threw punch at teammate Kyle Anderson during a timeout huddle, per sources. He is out for remainder of game.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 9, 2023
Fans also had thoughts on the embarrassing display from Gobert.
This was how Twitter reacted
Timberwolves have just been an all-time low vibes team all season https://t.co/T4gZNLGuv6
— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) April 9, 2023
Rudy Gobert today:
2 Points
0 Assists
0 Blocks
1 Sassy Attitude
1 Weak Punch to His TeammateTHE WORST TRADE IN THE HISTORY OF SPORTS 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/bFBepq7zTc
— Hater Central (@TheHateCentral) April 9, 2023
Minny gave up five first round draft picks for this. https://t.co/CzmsNjCfcW
— Sid Seixeiro (@Sid_Seixeiro) April 9, 2023
Gobert is the absolute worst teammate. https://t.co/dzY0CrwRGf
— Grizz 901 Podcast (@Grizz901Podcast) April 9, 2023
in game 82??? https://t.co/eL6bFssrKB
— SJ (@SJBasketball8) April 9, 2023
But he sets really good screens https://t.co/ArV5Hc2OTV
— Jason Timpf (@_JasonLT) April 9, 2023
And it's year one… https://t.co/JcO2wquxqk pic.twitter.com/7lNggzxa7d
— Cole Milz (@cole_milz) April 9, 2023
ARE YOU SERIOUS?! 🤦🏽♂️ #NBA https://t.co/gpnwylMplF
— Greg Anthony (@GregAnthony50) April 9, 2023
Complete lack of maturity or self awareness. From this guy?
Shocker. https://t.co/TLJVJ7HTHj pic.twitter.com/gPcNz3WS7o
— Letting Go (@ProvideContext) April 9, 2023
#TeamKyle https://t.co/5bDwM6N66y
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) April 9, 2023
Worst trade in NBA history by far https://t.co/VD1slr5Vx9
— 🃏 (@saintworldd) April 9, 2023
he’s so unlikeable lmao https://t.co/v7ai2BlBIP
— sreekar (@sreekyshooter) April 9, 2023
Not how you want to end a regular season — that’s for sure.