Four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert has been the Minnesota Timberwolves' anchor on that end of the floor for four seasons.

Heading into a campaign where the Wolves will be expected to compete for the highest honors after acquiring star guard LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets — pairing him with superstar Anthony Edwards in the backcourt — fellow newcomer Ayo Dosunmu revealed how Gobert's defense can continue to glue everything together.

Dosunmu, a former second-round pick (No. 38; 2021) who arrived in Minnesota midseason last year in a trade with his hometown Chicago Bulls, made his name in the league as an impactful defender.

However, playing alongside Gobert for just 24 games helped him realize how you can make a difference beyond the obvious. 

"I learned that [Gobert], defensively, sometimes his defensive metrics don't show up in the stat sheet," Dosunmu said. ... "You have to really watch him over time and play against him to really see that."

Dosunmu says that the Timberwolves' defense can be just as formidable as their high-powered offense. The key to that is helping Gobert, their hub, by putting him in situations where he can flourish.

Dosunmu added that while Gobert is capable of having games with several blocks, his gravity on the interior is much greater than that. He complimented his ability to alter already tough shots and the amount of ground he can cover to close the distance on opposing players.

The former Bull called Gobert a "force," saying that he is willing to live with anyone trying to take a contested shot over the 7-foot-1 Frenchman or challenge him in his favored defensive zones around the basket. 

Mentioning Ball — who has previously been criticized for his defense — Dosunmu said that he's confident he can learn how to play off Gobert. 

Ball may never necessarily become a standout defender. However, he has the measurables, and figuring out how to disrupt an opponent enough to lead him into a Gobert-shaped trap is not too much to ask. If replicated consistently, it could make the Wolves' defense elite. 

Naturally, the Edwards-Ball combo will command the attention of the majority of scouting reports on Minnesota. But they can't do it alone.

It can't be overstated how important contributions from stars in the roles around them will be. And after the departures of sixth man Naz Reid and Julius Randle, it is now up to Dosunmu to set the tone.

The Wolves conducted excellent business when they acquired Dosunmu in a deal that featured former No. 8 overall pick (2024) Rob Dillingham going to the Bulls. The transaction also included four second-round picks and Leonard Miller. And though the sample size is still small, it appears that the price will prove worth paying.

Dosunmu averaged 14.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 27.3 minutes across 69 games with Minnesota and Chicago last season. His assists (3.5), rebounds (4.2), and steals (1) per game increased after the trade. 

Dosunmu's immediate impact earned him a five-year, $112 million extension. 

Conversely, Dillingham has since been traded to the Charlotte Hornets and subsequently released this offseason, making him an unrestricted free agent. 

If the Timberwolves are to embark on a championship run this year, Dosunmu will have a lot to say about it.

Minnesota is excited about his perimeter shooting development and efficiency, along with his two-way versatility. Dosunmu shot 43.9 percent (41.4 MIN) from three last year, converting over 50 percent of his attempts from the field in three of his five seasons in the NBA.