Rudy Gobert vs. DeAndre Jordan
Rudy Gobert – 14.0 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 2.7 BLK, 66.4 FG%, 65.5 FT%
DeAndre Jordan – 12.6 PPG, 13.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.6 BLK, 71.3 FG%, 48.4 FT%
This match-up may honestly be one of the toughest to decide. Neither Rudy Gobert nor DeAndre Jordan is known as a versatile offensive player, though they each have extremely high shooting percentages due to their ability to finish in the paint. Typically those finishes are off of powerful dunks, but that’s besides the point.
More than anything though, both players have built their reputation on defense. Both are exceptional shot blockers and rim protectors that anchor their respective teams’ defenses as a whole. And although DeAndre Jordan was the only one of the two selected as a Western Conference All-Star, it’s hard to argue that Gobert hasn’t been the better of the two since the All-Star break.
In his last 20 games, Gobert is averaging over 16.4 points, 13.6 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game. Not only has he solidified his case as Defensive Player of the Year, but he’s started to turn into a much more reliable offensive threat as his catching and finishing abilities have improved dramatically.
If the mantra, “What have you done for me lately?” applies, then Rudy’s recent surge after the All-Star break would seem to give him a clear edge over Jordan. However, it’s also important to note that in all but the final bout against the Clippers, Gobert didn’t play all that well and in many ways looked outmatched by Jordan.
However, the Stifle Tower was able to break that trend in the final game which unfortunately still ended up as a Clipper win, but hopefully that was a sign that Rudy has Jordan figured out and will be able to play well against him in the postseason.
Historically, Jordan has an excellent case of having the edge in this match-up. However, given how well Gobert has played of late and how much higher he’s propelled himself over Jordan in the defensive conversation, I’m going to go ahead and pin Rudy as having the advantage in this match-up, albeit by the most narrow of margins.
Advantage – Rudy Gobert, Jazz