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Utah Jazz: Rudy Gobert is an elite offensive player

By Brendan Taz Cannon

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 11: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 11, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 11: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 11, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Rudy Gobert, the Utah Jazz’ unquestioned defensive backbone, is quietly one of the best offensive players in the NBA. It’s time people took note.

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, the Utah Jazz’ Rudy Gobert strikes terror into the hearts of those foolhardy enough to attempt shots over him in the paint. Few fans, however, appreciate Gobert’s prowess on the offensive end of the court, where his impact is likewise elite.

Not buying it yet? You’re not alone. Try these facts on for size:

Heading into Wednesday night’s slate of games, Rudy Gobert is shooting 71.43% from the field this year. You didn’t misread that.

Yes, the season is still young, but here is a comprehensive list of players in NBA (and ABA) history who have shot better from the field than that:

  1. DeAndre Jordan in 2016-17 (71.65%)
  2. Wilt Chamberlain 1972-73 (72.70%)
  3. That’s the entire list

Not convinced yet? Ok, maybe his shooting will regress a bit. Maybe he’ll start missing dunks more often. Color me skeptical.

There is a disease among the NBA community. This plague is called Not Understanding That Dunks Are Worth The Same Amount Of Points As 20-Foot Jump shots. The cure is basic mathematics.

If John Wall, for example, suddenly began making 70 percent of his mid-range jump shots, he’d be an MVP candidate, if not a runaway, unanimous winner.

Rudy does this without the glory or recognition, and the points pile up. NBA players just don’t shoot as accurately as Gobert. But no one seems to notice.

It doesn’t matter that his shots are “gimmes,” largely dunks and layups. In fact, I’m sure Gobert and Quin Snyder would both tell you that that’s a good thing.

You see, basketball is about making buckets. The team that scores the most points wins. Why on earth would you chide your star player for seeking (and converting) the easiest, simplest, most accurate shots in the game on a repeated basis?

Think about that.

Too many fans feel that Gobert’s short-range exclusivity is indicative of offensive weakness. The opposite is true, especially in the Utah Jazz’ system.

Rudy’s offensive impact goes far beyond mere efficiency. It opens up opportunities for everyone else.

Gobert’s elite rim-running skills in pick-and-roll sets make life very easy for his counterparts. Be it Ricky Rubio, Joe Ingles, Donovan Mitchell, or someone else, the ball-handler can come off a signature Rudy screen, get a first step on his defender, and be halfway to the rim before you can say “Boo.” Meanwhile, Gobert dives to the rack, either to receive a lob pass for an easy alley-oop, or keep his defender so worried about that idea that the ball-handler can convert on an easy layup.

For a beautiful example:

https://twitter.com/FP_NBA/status/1055158566972256264

Currently, Gobert leads the league with an average of 7.0 points per game as the “roll man” in pick-and-roll sets. “Defense-only” players don’t do that.

Among players who average two or more field goal attempts as the “roll man,” Rudy is also leading the league in Free Throw Frequency (meaning he is often fouled while making shots on the roll), with 53.8 percent. “Defense-only” players don’t do that.

Rudy isn’t the only “roll guy” with that kind of gravity and ability, but he’s among the best. In this way, Gobert creates easy shots at the rim not only for himself, but for his Utah Jazz teammates. High-efficiency offense all around!

Add to this the idea of wing players spacing to the corners during these sets, just waiting to be hit with a pass for an open three, and BOOM. You have quite the offensive force.

Obviously, Rudy’s offensive threat around the rim also keeps big, rim-protecting centers distracted frequently, which in turn opens the paint more fully for slashing, cutting, and driving guards and swingmen. Or, if that doesn’t work, hey, he’s probably open for a dunk just a few feet away from the ball-handler.

One additional reason Rudy is better able to flourish offensively this year is the NBA’s emphasis on “freedom of movement” in officiating. When defenders are less frequently allowed to push, pull, and grab, Gobert’s athleticism, length, and basketball IQ can really shine. And it results in a stunning number of easy shots around the rim.

You may have noticed that the Utah Jazz’ offense has taken a quantum leap forward this year (when not playing teams featuring Marc Gasol, anyway). Rudy’s offensive impact is one big reason why. Expect to see more high-scoring contests for the Jazz this year, with Gobert at the epicenter.

Next. Utah Jazz-Houston Rockets Key Matchup: Rudy Gobert vs. Clint Capela. dark

Rudy Gobert is more than a Defensive Player of the Year Candidate.

He is one of the most accurate shooters in NBA history. He is an offensive force in the pick-and-roll. He is an MVP candidate on a Western Conference Playoff Team.

Rudy Gobert is an elite offensive player.

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