Wolves players disrespect Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert
Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert has been a pillar of his team’s organization for several seasons now. For his efforts, the NBA has rewarded him with 3 Defensive Player of the Year trophies. Apparently, that’s not enough to impress Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Edwards and Patrick Beverley.
“If I’m the Defensive Player of the Year, I’m always guarding the best player, no matter what” said the fiery, defensive minded point guard.
“I’m not roaming. I’m guarding Mike Conley, I’m guarding Donovan Mitchell…you got Rudy Gobert out here guarding (Jarred) Vanderbilt, and every time I hear he’s Defensive Player of the Year. So, uh, whatever”.
Apparently, his young teammate Anthony Edwards has similar sentiments about the Stifle Tower.
“I don’t get why we couldn’t finish on Rudy Gobert. He don’t put no fear in my heart. I don’t know why” said the blossoming star.
It seems as if Patrick Beverley, for all of his defensive mastery, could use a lesson on the distinctions between team and individual defense. Gobert hasn’t received his Defensive Player of the Year awards for his ability to lock down individual matchups. He’s received them for being the best rim protector in the NBA.
The truth about Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert
The pair of Wolves guards can try to discredit Gobert all they like. The numbers vindicate him. Currently, Gobert sits second in the NBA in Defensive Win Shares, trailing only fellow perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate Draymond Green (1.8). His Defensive Box Plus/Minus of 2.0 ranks 8th in the league, and in case you consider defensive rebounding a part of defense (you should), his Defensive Rebound % of 37.3 is the best in the NBA.
Players can sometimes be accused of having a distorted view of their opponent’s abilities, and that appears to be the case here. Whether this pair of Timberwolves guards can admit it or not, Gobert is one of the best defenders in basketball.
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In the end, Utah Jazz fans don’t need to worry about whether Anthony Edwards “gets” why his Timberwolves couldn’t finish against the Jazz. Quin Snyder does.