The Dane Moore NBA Podcast Five Things We Were Wrong About This Season w/ Kyle Theige
Jan 9, 2026
Kyle Theige, a seasoned basketball writer and analyst, joins to unravel some surprising truths about the NBA season. They dissect Rudy Gobert's resurgence, including his unexpected offensive growth and impact on defense. The duo reflect on the struggles of younger players and the precarious state of the Wolves' point guard position. Additionally, they explore Anthony Edwards' evolving midrange game and the overall depth of the Western Conference. This lively discussion reveals how pre-season assumptions have dramatically shifted.
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Puppy Brought Good Vibes
- Kyle Theige bought a puppy and joked the Timberwolves have been undefeated since he got it.
- The dog has been a welcome distraction and improved Kyle's off-court routine this week.
Rudy's Late-Career Reinvention
- Rudy Gobert has reinvented his offense and is playing like a modern, two-way center in his 30s.
- His offensive growth plus elite rim deterrence has significantly raised the Wolves' ceiling this season.
Rim Deterrence Trumps Raw Numbers
- Rudy's defensive impact this season rivals or exceeds his 2023–24 peak by how he deters rim attempts and forces low-value shots.
- The Wolves' defensive splits with Rudy on versus off the floor reveal a massive performance gap driven partly by weak backup minutes.