Rudy Gobert has all the makings of a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Such distinctions are difficult to earn. The metrics by which defensive impacts are quantified remain imperfect and, in comparison to offensive numbers, rather skimpy.
But there's nothing skimpy about Gobert's insane impact. The Utah Jazz have been the NBA's best defensive team since making him the everyday starter, allowing just 89.7 points per 100 possessions.
And that, while impressive, is only the beginning to a Defensive Player of the Year argument growing stronger by the game.
Statistical Presence
Even at the most fundamental level, Gobert has everything going for him.
Voters are inherently attracted to blocks. Only three times in the last 18 seasons has the Defensive Player of the Year averaged fewer than 1.5 swats per game.
Going against the grain isn't something Gobert has to worry about here. He's sending back 2.3 shots in just 23.5 minutes per game. He's been even better since permanently joining the starting five, rejecting 2.9 attempts ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Dan Favale
Rudy Gobert Absolutely Belongs in Defensive Player of the Year Conversation
March 10th, 2015 by Dan Favale Leave a reply »
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