Timberwolves’ LaMelo Ball, Rudy Gobert are starting to build a scary chemistry

On Monday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves kicked off their preseason campaign against the Milwaukee Bucks away from home. This marked LaMelo Ball's inaugural game with the Timberwolves in a competitive arena, and the young star will need ample opportunities to familiarize himself with his new teammates as they aim to make a significant impact in the competitive Western Conference.

Ball is slated to serve as the primary ballhandler and playmaker for the Timberwolves, spearheading their offensive strategy which features formidable talent such as Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels. However, Ball's arrival on the team could potentially elevate the performance of Rudy Gobert as well. Among all the point guards Gobert has teamed up with, Ball may well emerge as the most adept at orchestrating plays for him.

As Ball's scoring prowess and Gobert's proficiency in lobbing the ball become more intertwined, the Timberwolves could unearth a wealth of scoring opportunities for themselves. LaMelo Ball and Rudy Gobert building chemistry on lobs: "Give it to me, come up, hit, and roll again." 🔥🗣️ (via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/fuDusPoMtC — Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 5, 2026 Gobert, while not the most prolific scorer in the league, will benefit immensely from having Ball to facilitate his offensive opportunities, making his life easier on the offensive end.

Conversely, Ball's staunch defender in Gobert will have to sharpen his defensive skills to keep up with the speed and agility of the Timberwolves' attacking lineup. Although the Timberwolves have depleted their roster depth in the frontcourt, this move underscores their confidence in Gobert's ability to anchor the paint while the team around him executes a more dynamic and unorthodox offensive style.

It will be intriguing to observe how Gobert adjusts to the fast-paced tempo of the Western Conference, particularly with a team comprising swift and dynamic players surrounding him. Early evaluations suggest that Gobert is up to the challenge, having proven himself as a four-time Defensive Player of the Year.