Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert is getting major props in the national media, landing in the Top 15 of SI’s Top 100 NBA Players.
All week long, Sports Illustrated and their hoops vertical, The Crossover, have been counting down their list of the NBA’s Top 100 Players. If you’re a fan looking for a little Utah Jazz love in the national media, the unveiling has been a satisfactory exercise to say the least. The whole of Utah’s starting five has made the Top 60.
Ricky Rubio, Joe Ingles and Derrick Favors all entered the rankings in the 50s. One day later, Donovan Mitchell hit the list at No. 34. On Wednesday, it was Rudy Gobert who entered the countdown when SI revealed Nos. 30-11.
Clearly, Rob Mahoney and Ben Golliver — who compiled the list — understand the value of defense and what Gobert’s contributions on that side of the floor have meant for the Jazz franchise. The Stifle Tower entered this year’s SI rankings at No. 14 and was grouped with some of the Association’s best players.
Said Mahoney —
"Gobert (13.5 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 2.3 BPG) is so imposing that he actually changes the psychology of a game. Opponents with the ball in hand turn their focus inward; you can see confident players talk themselves out of shots they would ordinarily love to take, all for fear of Gobert swatting them away."
After coming in at No. 33 two years ago, this is the second year in a row Gobert has been in the Top 15. Last season, he was ranked 15th — one spot better than former Jazzman Gordon Hayward.
Speaking of G-Time, the 2017 Western Conference All-Star came in at No. 25 this year after missing all but the first five minutes of his inaugural campaign in Beantown. Other noteworthy rankings include Ben Simmons (26th), Karl-Anthony Towns (19th), Nikola Jokic (18th), Draymond Green (13th) and Paul George (11th).
Some of those players will be Gobert’s competition for an All-Star spot this season; if this countdown mirrors his perception among West coaches and he can stay healthy, it may bode well for his chances of making the squad for the first time in February.
Here’s what I know for sure — after a healthy Gobert re-joined the Jazz last season, they were an elite team in the league. Mitchell may be Utah’s go-to guy offensively and a superstar ambassador for the franchise, but Gobert remains the beating heart of the club and one of the NBA’s few truly game-changing talents.
It’s good to see that more people outside of Salt Lake City are growing wise to that fact.