The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz: Four moments to look forward to in 2018-19

By Jared Woodcox

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 2: Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz reacts after the game against the Houston Rockets in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2018 at Toyota Center in Houston, TX. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 2: Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz reacts after the game against the Houston Rockets in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2018 at Toyota Center in Houston, TX. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SANTA MONICA, CA – JUNE 25: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz talks to the media during a press conference after winning Defensive Player of the Year at the NBA Awards Show on June 25, 2018 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Will Navarro/NBAE via Getty Images)
SANTA MONICA, CA – JUNE 25: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz talks to the media during a press conference after winning Defensive Player of the Year at the NBA Awards Show on June 25, 2018 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Will Navarro/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Rudy Gobert defends DPOY title

I know, I know, I’m getting a little bit ahead of myself on this one. But if Rudy Gobert was finally able to earn the long-overdue Defensive Player of the Year Award after appearing in just 56 games, imagine what he’ll be able to do next year if he’s able to (let’s all go knock on wood) play for a full 82.

After a slow start and a pair of knee injuries, Gobert revolutionized the Utah Jazz defense from late January on to the end of the year. The Jazz turned into a stingy juggernaut that teams for the most part simply couldn’t score against. If Gobert continues that upwards trajectory and helps the Jazz maintain their unshakable defensive identity, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be the favorite to repeat as DPOY.

As recently as the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons, Kawhi Leonard won the award in back-to-back years. Dwight Howard had a three-peat from 2008-09 to 2010-11, while Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace won it four times apiece in their careers back in the 90s and early to mid 2000s. In other words, a dominant player earning the nod multiple times is far from uncommon.

And Gobert is exactly that – a dominant player. I expect the Stifle Tower to continue to live up to his daunting reputation, and come time for the Third Annual NBA Awards Show, expect him to hoist the hardware once again.

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