Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert needs to shine to earn another All-Star honor.
Over the last few years, Rudy Gobert has become one of the league’s best centers. His resume with the Utah Jazz has been increasing year after year. As of right now, it includes 5x All-Defensive Team, 4x All-NBA, 3x Defensive Player of the Year, and 2x All-Star.
While Jazz fans have grown accustomed to seeing Gobert rack up accolades, it wasn’t long ago that this wasn’t the case. After all, the Frenchman broke down in tears after not getting the nod for the 2019 All-Star Game.
Today, with young centers in the Western Conference like Deandre Ayton, Karl-Anthony Towns, and reigning MVP Nikola Jokic on the rise, Gobert will need to continue to improve if he wants to play in what would be his third consecutive All-Star Game.
Here are three things Rudy Gobert must do to earn an All-Star nod once again.
1. Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert must continue playing consistent defense
First things first, Rudy Gobert needs to keep doing what he’s always done best for the Jazz, anchor the defense. Over the last five years, he has been one of the best defenders in the league, if not the best. Due to this rock-solid defending, he has been able to make four All-NBA teams without a stellar offensive repertoire.
Gobert’s defensive reputation comes with expectations.
Throughout the last eight seasons, he’s recorded over two blocks per game, averaging a career-high 2.7 blocks per game last season. Last season, he also posted the highest defensive rating of any player in the NBA.
For Gobert to make an All-Star appearance this year, he can’t afford to have a dip in form on the defensive side of the ball. Because he doesn’t possess the same offensive capabilities as other top centers in the league, he must prove that he is the best defender at his position.
After the Jazz’s playoff disappointment last season, Gobert’s defense will be under a microscope. And even a slight dip in his defensive impact could cost him a trip to Cleveland this February.