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#3 Elite rim protector
Rudy Gobert's greatest defensive skill is his shot blocking. He was 3rd in blocked shots this season (2.3 bpg) and that number was actually 2.6 bpg in the playoff. There is no question that the Utah Jazz’s perimeter defenders can be more aggressive knowing they have a mobile rim protector who defends the pick and roll well, takes away opposing players' shots when driving to the basket, rebounds, alters or blocks shots at a high rate.
Gobert's length and lateral quickness bother attacking players attempting layups or close range runners forcing them to hesitate or even give up on the idea of taking the shot. He recorded 4 or more blocked shots in 18 different games this season.
On Christmas Day in 2018, Gobert recorded 7 blocked shots in a 21-point victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. In this game, the Trail Blazers shot just 39.2% from the field and Portland got just 17 points from their centers.
In the Jazz's 1st round game 3 playoff loss against the Houston Rockets, Gobert again had 7 blocked shots and the Rockets shot just 38.4% overall while Houston's center Clint Capela was held to 11 points. Utah lost the game by just 3 points.
When Gobert is on the floor, Utah's opponents struggle to score. In fact, Utah was 8th overall in opponent field goal percentage this season. Gobert, who challenges 27 shots per 100 possessions, makes opponents' efficiency from the field plummet. It also allows Utah perimeter defenders to stay on opposing shooters and not worry about helping when their rim is attacked.
Should Rudy Gobert win the Defensive Player of the Year Award, and he should in 2019, he would join a select few former and present NBA players who have won the award in back to back years. That list would see him join Dennis Rodman, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dikembe Mutombo, Ben Wallace, Dwight Howard, and Kawhi Leonard. It's a great company to be in and Gobert is deserving of the accolade.
Guess the Lakers players!
