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Utah Jazz: Most intriguing individual matchups series – Atlantic Division

By Jared Woodcox

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 16: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz at the Wells Fargo Center on November 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 16: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz at the Wells Fargo Center on November 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MARCH 30: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz and Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies talk before the game on March 30, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MARCH 30: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz and Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies talk before the game on March 30, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Toronto Raptors: Marc Gasol vs. Rudy Gobert

Gone are the short-lived days of Kawhi Leonard as a member of the Toronto Raptors. And at least in the eyes of this basketball fan, they faded far too soon.

Watching a largely unheralded Toronto franchise ascend the ranks to the NBA’s greatest honor with Kawhi shouldering the load for them was a thrill to watch. And the fact that he bolted just one year after being traded to the squad and after winning a championship is a bit disappointing.

Nevertheless, the choice was his and a decision to return back home was made. Still, although the Raptors likely are no longer a championship team without him, they remain stocked with depth and talent and will undoubtedly be a tough squad for any opponent to trifle with.

From Kyle Lowry to Pascal Siakam to Serge Ibaka to Fred VanVleet, the North still boasts gritty guys that now have championship experience under their belts which will provide a number of intriguing matchups across the board. But the one I’m most anticipating will be one we’ve had the pleasure of witnessing many times prior – Marc Gasol vs. Rudy Gobert.

Gasol and Gobert are similar in that they’re both dominant defensive big men that have built themselves reputations as forces in this league. However, Rudy is certainly the more prolific and athletic rim protector while Gasol is the more dangerous shooting threat as a stretch-big. Gasol is also in the twilight of his career, though as he showed both in the NBA Finals and FIBA World Cup play, he’s still got plenty left in the tank.

Gasol is one of those bigs that isn’t by any means intimidated by Gobert, but Rudy has gotten the better of him on a number of occasions. Then again, the contrary is also true as Marc’s ability to convert from long range can sometimes be a bit of an Achilles’ heel for Rudy.

However, Gobert enjoys a narrow 8-7 record against Gasol, which only further shows how tightly contested the battles between these two have been. As Gasol aims to defend his team’s championship and Gobert looks to win one of his own, expect this individual matchup to be a hard-fought one when Utah and Toronto face off this upcoming season, especially considering that it’ll be the first time Rudy faces Gasol as a member of the Raptors.

Next. Utah Jazz may have found a real player in Miye Oni. dark

Scheduled Contests:

  • 12/1 Utah at Toronto
  • 3/9 Toronto at Utah
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