Feb 6, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks over Phoenix Suns forward Brandan Wright (32) during the second half at US Airways Center. The Suns won 100-93. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Rudy Gobert has become a true force in the NBA. His offense is improving as evidenced by his now famous Eurostep clip as well as the amazing dunk he had in Orlando against the Magic. The many different ways he has been improving his game are evidence of his work ethic and his love of the game.
Thanks to Zach Lowe for this awesome gif of Gobert demonstrating his dunking ability.
From Zach Lowe’s article on big men in the NBA
Many took notice of Gobert last summer, including the Utah Jazz’s best national media friend at Grantland, Mr. Zach Lowe. His most recent piece examining the renaissance of big men in today’s game is definitely worth a read and here’s why:
"It was unclear whether Gobert could stay on the floor long enough to let his game-changing skill sing. He fouled a lot, mucked up Utah’s spacing, and coughed up heaps of turnovers. He showed zero back-to-the-basket game.The low-post game isn’t dead, but it is harder today than it was 10 years ago to be an effective post scorer. If a team wanted to trap Charles Barkley or Patrick Ewing, it had to send a hard double from all the way across the floor. Rule changes have allowed defenses to get trickier.– Zach Lowe, Grantland"
The affinity so many in the press have for Rudy Gobert definitely works in his favor moving forward. The fact Rudy was featured so prominently is leading people from around the NBA to ask the question: is Enes Kanter starting on borrowed time? If this happens we are about to enter into The Age of Rudy Gobert.
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This has to be considered in context as Enes was coming back from an injury and had a minute restriction upon seeing Mr. Genessy’s tweet I’m sure many wondered if this could be the beginning of the end for Enes.
Jazz big Rudy Gobert will start with Derrick Favors tonight at Houston. Enes Kanter will come off the bench. Minutes restriction for Enes.
— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) January 10, 2015
With Rudy blossoming and Enes being very much hot or cold on defense I’m sure many Jazz fans would love to pick Dennis Lindsey’s brain to find out what will happen with the trade deadline looming. Are Enes Kanter’s days as a Jazzman numbered?
Could something like this be possible? Zach Randolph can’t last forever. With the Memphis Grizzlies in the playoff hunt this seems unlikely. But would the pairing of Enes Kanter and Marc Gasol be an enticing proposition for Memphis to entertain moving forward? The Jazz would likely need to send back a future first rounder for this trade to be viable.
Would the Grizzlies do this deal?
Enough trade talk. Rudy is the center of our discussion here (pardon the pun). What Jazz fans have witnessed this year is much like what fans were expecting last year. The development may have been later than many fans would have liked but there is a great deal of potential in this team. Let’s look at Rudy’s game just a few months ago.
There have been many games since but I for one believe this game cemented Rudy’s spot in the lineup. Rudy’s Breakout performance will never be forgotten. Neither will Sacramento Kings fans chanting “Rudy! Rudy!” (Ignore Rudy Gay here… we can dream right?)
Oh wait they have a Rudy too… but he’s not our Rudy. Their Rudy is coming apart at the seams. Maybe coach Mike Malone was what had turned him around and his firing is starting to take it’s toll. Who knows? Oh well enjoy this gratuitous standing ovation for John Stockton from the Kings fans of yore. With as classy as their fan base can be it’s easy to imagine their cheering was for our Rudy and not for Rudy Gay.
Jazz fans, there are rooting interests on both sides of the rising stars game. Rudy Gobert and Danté Exum vs Trey Burke! The BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge featuring the world team (Danté and Rudy) vs the USA (Trey)!
King James Gospel
That should be a fun one for anyone who follows the Jazz, with additional intrigue of former Jazzmen Paul Millsap being an All-Star for a second straight year and Kyle Korver recently named a replacement for the injured Dwyane Wade. With Korver also competing in what may be the event of the weekend, the Three Point Contest promises to be the most star studded three point competition in recent memory.