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#2 Rudy Gobert
The NBA has moved increasingly towards the small ball in recent seasons, but Rudy Gobert has demonstrated exactly why throwback bigs can still be so effective. His presence on the court was enough to eliminate the United States from the 2019 World Cup, and his performances for the Utah Jazz have resulted in back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year awards.
But despite being widely regarded as the NBA's best defender, Gobert has yet to make an All-Star appearance.
There is little doubt that Gobert deserved a place at last year's All-Star Game. And the Frenchman has started the new season well, averaging 9.0 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.
He remains a monster on the defensive end, and an uptick in offensive numbers should be enough for the 27-year-old to finally make his bow at the showcase game.
