The Minnesota Timberwolves have been known for their defense under Chris Finch, boasting a top ten defense in the last four seasons.

Their offense has been outside of the top ten in three of the last four seasons, ranking 12th last year.

That could change this year with the addition of LaMelo Ball, one of the best creators in the league at the point guard position.

Ball is going to help Anthony Edwards get easier buckets, improve Minnesota’s transition game, and create for himself.

The biggest beneficiary might be Rudy Gobert, the defensive anchor who is rarely utilized on offense despite his screening ability and hard rolls to the basket.

For the first time since playing alongside prime Mike Conley in Utah, Gobert will have a true passing guard to get him the ball.

Speaking at the Timberwolves media day on Monday, Gobert expressed his excitement for playing next to Ball.

“Really excited, really excited, I think LaMelo is one of the best passers in this league, one of the best creators, especially for big men… it’s going to create a lot of opportunities and make us a more deadly team,” he said.

Watch any Timberwolves game, and you’ll often notice Gobert rolling to the basket, putting his hand up for the ball, and being ignored.

Whether it’s the lack of vision from the ball handler or the lack of trust for him to catch and finish, he’s often missed in those situations.

That shouldn’t be the case with LaMelo.

Moussa Diabate was the starting center for the Charlotte Hornets last season.

When he and LaMelo shared the floor, the Hornets had a +15.7 net rating and a 130 offensive rating. Diabate is more athletic now than an older Gobert, but Gobert is still one of the best screeners in the league and always has a presence underneath the rim. He’s a lob threat; he just hasn’t had someone to throw him many lobs.

LaMelo is in the 99th percentile when it comes to creation and the 96th percentile in passing.

He operated out of the pick-and-roll 42% of the time with the Hornets last season, which was the ninth-highest among players who played more than 1000 minutes. On the flip side, Gobert’s screening is going to help LaMelo create his own opportunities as well.

For the first time in his Minnesota career, Gobert should have easier catch-and-finish opportunities out of the pick-and-roll. It’s up to him to catch and finish.