3) Rudy Gobert
Make no mistake about it–Rudy Gobert is only three years into his NBA career and is coming off a season in which he missed 20-plus games and didn’t make the big jump that many fans had anticipated. Regardless, his importance to the current team, the impact he has on the court and his star potential already make him one of the best pivot men in Jazz history.
So how good has the Stifle Tower been? He was third in the league in blocks per game during each of the last two seasons. Moreover, within six feet of the basket, opposing players shot nearly 12 percent lower than their norms when guarded by Gobert.
Those are just the tip of the iceberg. Basically, he’s been awesome by just about any measure or statistical metric you can conjure.
Most Jazz fans would probably tell you 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: 188 GP, 7.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and a hearty salute.
Next: 2. Mehmet Okur