Utah Jazz: 2019-20 Midseason report card for Rudy Gobert

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 06: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 06, 2020 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, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 06: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on January 06, 2020 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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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 14: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 14, 2020 in New York City. 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 14: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 14, 2020 in New York City. 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 Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)

Overall

What’s left to be said about Rudy Gobert? In short, he is absolutely deserving of an All-Star selection. He’s Utah’s most important player for their defensive scheme and allows their offense to thrive. He continues to improve on areas that some have identified as weaknesses, and rather than plateau he simply is getting better.

His offensive impact is dramatic, with a greater than 10-point swing per 100 possessions when he’s on the court versus off. On defense, he has an uncanny ability to completely shut down opponents with his length, timing and quickness. Factor in as well that he’s having a solid scoring season as well as the best rebounding season of his career and he most certainly looks like an All-Star.

Opposing coaches have to always be aware of him. He can almost single-handedly put their game plans in shambles. He’s producing Jazz wins left and right and has easily been one of the best centers in the game this season.

The Jazz are playing extremely well, have a very clear shot at a top-three seed and are looking like a dangerous foe come playoff time. That is all largely thanks to the exceptional play of Rudy Gobert. As such, it’s easy to determine his overall grade as a rock solid A.

Final Grade: A