Utah Jazz: Grades for every Jazzman’s 2017-18 season

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 11, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 11, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Despite missing 26 games this year due to injury, Gobert’s impact on the season was monumental; and it goes far beyond his on-court presence. His leadership and contagious confidence was exactly what Utah needed after falling to 19-28 in January.

Gobert averaged 13.5 points and 10.7 rebounds per game to go along with 2.3 blocks. While impressive, Gobert’s numbers are not what makes him such a game-changing player.

His elite-level defense and offensive efficiency were arguably the key factor in Utah closing the year on a 29-6 run.

Despite missing over a quarter of the season, it’s impossible to give the Stifle Tower anything but an “A” for the impact he had on and off the court.