Spurs are forcing the wounded Wolves to make gut-wrenching Rudy Gobert decision

Following a decisive win by the San Antonio Spurs, the Minnesota Timberwolves may be forced to go back to the drawing board. One potential change, recommended by NBA legend Reggie Miller during the Game 5 broadcast, is for the Wolves to start Naz Reid over Rudy Gobert.

Starting Reid over Gobert would dramatically change things for both the Wolves and the Spurs. Gobert struggled in Game 4 and especially in Game 5 offensively. Wolves star Anthony Edwards even appeared frustrated with him over not catching the ball when it was passed to him.

While he is still crucial to the Wolves defensively, he gives Defensive Player of the Year winner Victor Wembanyama an easy player to guard and to help off of.

Wembanyama has thrown a wrench into the Wolves' offensive attack, with Gobert being a non-threat. That makes it easier for Wemby to hang around the paint.

The Spurs must be prepared for the Wolves to start Naz Reid

If the Wolves were to start Reid, they'd be able to space the floor with five capable shooters. Reid has arguably been their second-best player this series and has shot well from outside.

That has forced Wembanyama to stray from the paint when guarding him. In theory that could make a huge difference for the Wolves.

Forcing Wembanyama away from the basket could make life much easier for Anthony Edwards, giving him a clearer path to the basket. Given how they've struggled to score at times this series, that could unlock the Wolves' offense.

That would be due to Reid being able to space the floor if he were inserted into the starting five.

San Antonio can counter the Wolves' possibly starting Naz Reid

On the other hand, benching Gobert could have a negative impact defensively. He has been tasked with stopping Wembanyama. Wembanyama has had several strong games this season against Gobert, including in the regular season.

Nevertheless, Gobert gives the Wolves their best shot at slowing him down. Having Randle, who is a mediocre defender at best, and Reid defending Wemby probably isn't going to cut it.

Worse yet for the Wolves, San Antonio may exploit the fact that they don't have an elite rim protector by having Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and De'Aaron Fox attack the paint relentlessly. Having them go off and not being able to slow Wembanyama down may do more harm than good for Minnesota.

That's not to mention Gobert being their best offensive rebounder. His work on the glass has helped Minnesota negate their bad shooting by beating the Spurs up on the boards.

If Minnesota opts to start Reid, it could hurt more than it helps. Then again, with Gobert's suspect play on offense, the Wolves may not have any good options against the Spurs.

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