Apr 11, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) battles for a loose ball with Portland Trail Blazers guard Steve Blake (5) during the fourth quarter of the game at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
3) Rudy Gobert
Normally when compiling this kind of list, I wouldn’t include a player so young in their tenure with the Jazz. However, the impact Rudy Gobert had on the team last season and his superstar potential make it impossible not to include him.
So how good was Gobert last year? The Jazz defense allowed seven fewer points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. Within six feet of the basket, opposing players shot nearly 12 percent lower than their averages when guarded by the Stifle Tower. Basically, he was awesome by just about any measure or statistical metric.
Many expect that Gobert’s name will one day find itself at the top of lists like this. I’m inclined to agree with them.
Utah Jazz Stats: 127 GP, 6.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and a hearty salute.
Next: 2. Mehmet Okur