The Minnesota Timberwolves gave up a lot to acquire Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz, so sure enough, they have high expectations on the Frenchman as he suits up in 2022-23.

Fortunately for fans, Gobert is well aware of what he needs to do and is ready to embrace the challenge that comes with his move to the Timberwolves.

Speaking to reporters as he was introduced with the team for the first time, Gobert did not hesitate in saying what everybody wants to hear: a championship declaration.

“I came here to take this team to the Finals,” Gobert said, via Timberwolves Twitter.

If that doesn't fire up the Minnesota faithful, we don't know what else will.

Article Continues Below
More Timberwolves News
Cavaliers' guard Darius Garland with Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle - NBA trade rumors and scenarios
Timberwolves’ Darius Garland trade headlines 4 intriguing scenarios before NBA DraftBrett Siegel ·
Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) moves the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
Paul George explains how Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards can reach full potentialTroy Finnegan ·
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the third quarter in game five of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Timberwolves’ future in good hands despite major question marksMaya Aflakpi ·
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) and center Rudy Gobert (27) talk against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game four of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
3 best Minnesota Timberwolves trades using No. 17 pick in 2025 NBA DraftRohan Brahmbhatt ·
Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) brings the ball up as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) defends him in the fourth quarter at Target Center with ESPN's Brian Windhorst in the background
Timberwolves rumors: Brian Windhorst details serious Kevin Durant trade pursuitJosue Pavon ·
Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and Chris Finch looking pissed off
Minnesota Timberwolves most to blame for playoff series loss to ThunderJedd Pagaduan ·

While Rudy Gobert himself has yet to experience playoffs success after years of coming up short in the postseason with the Jazz, his partnership with Karl-Anthony Towns in the Timberwolves' frontcourt will certainly raise hopes up.

The two figures to be one of the most potent offense-defense frontcourt duo in the NBA. The presence of Gobert should also allow Towns to utilize his shooting even more, as he'll no longer need to always stay down low and anchor the center spot.

Of course it remains to be seen if the partnership will work. For all we know, it could be a mess of a fit. Nonetheless, having a three-time Defensive Player of the Year should raise confidence in Minnesota after they reached the playoffs last season.

It should also help that Gobert looks more motivated than ever to prove himself.