Rudy Gobert takes important leap Jazz fans only dreamed of

It feels crazy knowing that in the not-too-distant future, it will be four years since the Utah Jazz traded Rudy Gobert. Gobert has reached higher heights in the playoffs since joining the Timberwolves, although he hasn't received as many accolades. At the same time, he's taken a leap in one department that Jazz fans hoped he would take back when he was in Utah: his offense.

Timberwolves reporter Dane Moore revealed that Gobert has improved offensively in areas many wouldn't take note of.

"Gobert's offensive skillset has definitely improved. And in addition to that, he's honing what things to use more of (short roll passing, finesse finishing, dribbling into DHOs) and letting go of skills that he's worked on but are not effective (deep seals, push shots, perimeter jumpers).

"It might be going from a 1 out of 10 to a 2 out of 10 grade, but it's definitely an improvement and the Wolves offense definitely benefits from it," Moore wrote.

Gobert has always been efficient from the field as a "shooter," but that's primarily because his frame and athleticism make him a lob threat. He's not a threat in the post unless unless he hovers over his defender, and he's not a floor spacer, but he has learned to be more dynamic, as Moore points out.

It's that kind of progress that the Jazz would have loved to see when he played for the team, but he never quite figured it out. Gobert's improvement may also be motivated by the fact that he is approaching his mid-30s and may not be in his prime for much longer. Again, Jazz fans would have loved to see this in Utah, but at least there's no ill will for Gobert that fans are happy to see it nonetheless.

Gobert is in the conversation for another DPOY

If Gobert's offensive improvement hasn't been noteworthy enough, he's been right back in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year. Since joining Minnesota, he's won the award only once. While his defensive impact is very much alive, it didn't make as much of an impact last year. However, it has returned with the vengeance that it's getting some love.

Gobert is in line to have maybe his best two-way season ever as a player. Not bad for someone who constantly draws hate for his supposed offensive shortcomings and his overstated perimeter defensive woes.

It's pretty clear from all this is that Gobert has only continued to Minnesota their money's worth when they acquired him back in 2022. His progress is kind of sad knowing it never happened with the Jazz, but everyone should be happy with how he's maintained his dominance. At this rate, it's becoming more and more unquestionable that he is a future Hall of Famer.

You hear that, Shaq?