Utah Jazz: Checking in on preseason team award predictions

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 14: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a call during a game against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 14, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)

Team MVP

Preseason pick: Rudy Gobert (Runner-up: Ricky Rubio)

Before the season started I figured Rudy Gobert could be a 20 point and 10-plus rebound guy nightly for the Jazz. That sort of offensive production, plus his defensive ability would not only peg him as Utah’s MVP, but a candidate for an All-NBA First Team nod.

Injuries have been a major factor so far this season for Gobert. He has only appeared in 32 of Utah’s first 58 games due to a pair of injuries.

Despite the injuries, Gobert has solidified himself as Utah’s leader and an essential piece for the Jazz to remain competitive in the West. The Jazz are 12-2 since Rudy’s return on January 19th and are in the midst of an 11-game winning streak.

While Rudy’s scoring still hovers just above 12 points per night, the emergence of Mitchell and the off-the-charts shooting of Joe Ingles have made the need for Rudy to score far less necessary.

This has enabled Gobert to focus on the parts of his game where he is truly dominant.

New pick: Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert Utah Jazz — PORTLAND, OR – FEBRUARY 11: Rudy Gobert plays against the Portland Trail Blazers. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)

You may think 32 games may seem like too small of a sample to feel confident in maintaining my preseason pick of Gobert as Utah’s MVP and you’d probably be right.

The 32 games, however, have given me all the confidence I need to keep Gobert as my pick. Gobert makes such a massive difference on this team and that can’t be ignored. He simply can transform the Jazz from an average team to a sure-fire playoff team.

Factor in Gobert’s off-court leadership and you have your 2017-2018 Utah Jazz MVP.

The effect that Gobert has on this Jazz team is simply incredible.

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How would you hand out these awards? Leave your updated prediction in the comments below.

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