20 best NBA Draft trades ever
By John Buhler
19. Rudy Gobert from Denver Nuggets to Utah Jazz.
Though he has only played three years in the NBA, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert has emerged as one of the Association’s best rim protectors in the small ball era. The 7’1″ Frenchman has averaged over two blocks a game in the last two seasons under head coach Quin Snyder. Gobert has become a key part in the Jazz’s turnaround under Snyder, aiding Utah both on offense and defense.
Gobert was the No. 27 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft out of France by the Nuggets. Denver would send Gobert to Salt Lake City for the draft rights to No. 46 overall pick Erick Green and cash considerations.
While Gobert had high upside as a rim protector with his impressive wingspan coming out of France, it was still up in the air if he was going to boom or bust in the NBA. Denver has done a great job of scouting internationally under former general manager Masai Ujiri and current general manager Tim Connelly. However, the Nuggets seem to have missed the boat on Gobert, as he now stars for Northwest Division rival Utah.
At 23 years old, Gobert nearly averaged a double-double in his third year in the league with 9.1 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. In an high-altitude environment like Salt Lake City, it’s easier to hold down a great home court advantage with a dynamic defensive presence near the rim. Denver has solid players in its front court, but seeing Gobert starting to ascend in his early 20s with rival Utah can’t sit well with the Nuggets front office.
Next: 18. Nicolas Batum from Houston Rockets to Portland Trail Blazers.