Fansided

Why Rudy Gobert should have made the 2017 NBA All-Star team

By Andre Snellings

Jan 16, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (center) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Jazz defeated the Suns 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (center) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Jazz defeated the Suns 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) is in my DraftKings daily picks. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

A two-way force

Despite being a primarily defensive player, Gobert is actually one of the most overall productive players in the NBA. The box score stats are goodf or measuring production, and Gobert is among the league lead in several different stats. Among the raw stats, Gobert is fifth in the NBA with 12.6 rebounds per game, to go along with first in blocks per game. It is clear how these strengths translate to defense, which is where his reputation is formed. However, Gobert also leads the NBA with a 68.0 true shooting percentage. By utilizing his extra long frame, hands, and touch around the rim Gobert is able to finish near the rim a very high clip and/or draw the foul on enough volume to make a difference (20 points per100 possessions, 9.1 free throw attempts per 100 possessions, 10.6 field goal attempts per 100 possessions). Plus, Gobert is also tied for the league lead in offensive rebounds, allowing him to keep possessions alive and generate more offensive production.

Gobert’s unique productivity and efficiency on both offense and defense is well captured by stats such as Win Shares. Gobert leads the NBA in Defensive Win Shares, is 12th in Offensive Win Shares, and is fourth in overall Win Shares behind only James Harden, Kevin Durant and Jimmy Butler.

Home/NBA