(3) Rudy Gobert (C, Utah Jazz)
The myth. The man. The mannequin.
If you don’t know what I am talking about, go check out Vivint Smart Home Arena’s new team store. I am not entirely sure how a mannequin compares to a statue out front of the Arena, but if Rudy continues his larger-than-life ascension up the NBA ranks, that may be in store for the Jazz’s cornerstone.
It was another impressive season from the Stifle Tower last season. Fresh off an All-Star snub, Gobert seems as motivated as ever to claim his spot among the NBA’s elite and help the Jazz stay among those ranks at the same time.
The addition of Ricky Rubio may affect Gobert more than any other player on the Jazz this season. Gobert’s high pick and roll game combined with Rubio’s passing ability should get the Jazz a handful of easy buckets night in and night out.
Look for a motivated Gobert to help keep a deep and resilient Jazz team in the thick of things in the division and Western Conference playoff race all year long.