Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert shared his thoughts on the return of forward Kyle Anderson to the team. Many have speculated that Gobert’s comment might be a subtle shot at Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards.

On Monday, the Timberwolves finalized the re-signing of Anderson following his contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies. The 6-foot-8 forward played with Minnesota from 2022 until 2024.

During Tuesday’s shootaround, Gobert was asked about what he missed the most about Anderson.

“I think just passing the ball,” Gobert said. “I’ll be honest, like, I’ll be straight up. Someone that is looking to pass the ball to his teammates. He’s a connector. Someone that makes plays for his teammates. I think everyone in this locker room has a lot of respect for Kyle.”

Fans interpreted Gobert’s comment as a shot at Edwards, who is an elite scorer but is not known for his passing. Through 51 games, the four-time NBA All-Star is averaging a career-best 29.5 points on 49.3% shooting, including 39.8% from 3-point range. However, his assist average (3.7) would be the lowest since his rookie season in 2020-21 (2.9).

Following the game against the LA Clippers on Thursday, Edwards said Timberwolves coach Chris Finch wanted him to pass the ball, but he instead took matters into his own hands:

“I just tried to shoot it every time that I touched it. Some people say that I should’ve passed the ball. I’ll be alright. I think we’ll have a better chance of winning if I shoot it. Me and my coach got the best relationship ever. He be right most of the time. … He told me to pass the ball tonight and I should have passed it. I shot it instead, and it went in, you know?”

Rudy Gobert says Kyle Anderson and Mike Conley would help the Timberwolves’ playoff push

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert praised the return of Kyle Anderson to the team. Gobert said NBA veterans Anderson and Mike Conley would help their playoff push this season. Conley was traded twice around the trade deadline last month before re-signing with Minnesota on Feb. 17.

“I think he’s a big part of what we do and he’s going to help us,” Gobert said (Timestamp: 1:35). “He’s going to help us on and off the court. I think he’s a smart player. He’s a tough player. He’s an unselfish player. He’s also a winner. He’s someone that really takes pride in winning. So, having him is huge.

“It feels good getting Mike and Kyle, trying to win a championship and having those guys, I think they’re part of our culture. They’re part of our DNA. So, they deserve to be a part of it.”

Entering Tuesday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Timberwolves are No. 4 in the Western Conference with a 38-23 record. They are on a three-game winning streak and have won seven of their last 10 games.