Utah Jazz: The imperative progression of Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert has developed into one of the best centers in the NBA, greatly improving the Utah Jazz and their aspirations of an NBA championship.

Rudy Gobert’s progression is a big reason the Utah Jazz have established themselves as strong competitors in the Western Conference throughout the past couple years.

Nicknamed “The Stifle Tower,” Gobert entered the NBA as the 27th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. He was selected by the Denver Nuggets and later traded to the Jazz.

Coming over from France, expectations for Gobert were in question due to less exposure and recognition than other prospects. His projections revolved around his niche as a solid rim protector and rebounder.

Gobert’s scouting report screamed potential, which stemmed from his 7’1″ frame and long wingspan. But he was raw and unproven, and it was anyone’s guess what he would become.

Fast forward five years later and the NBA has witnessed Gobert’s evolution, which has been vital for the Jazz as a team.

Gobert didn’t see regular playing time until his second season, where he played in all 82 games and started in 37 of them. He averaged 8.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. Fans could see the potential he possessed and knew he could develop into their future starting center.

The following year, he became just that, starting 60 of the 61 games he played in. The Jazz improved their win total by two games, finishing ninth in the conference and barely missing the playoffs.

Gobert continued to fill out and gain more experience down low as the team’s best rim protector and defender, but his scoring and overall offensive game lacked consistency.

Finally, in 2016-17, Gobert broke out for his best season to date. He started all 81 games he played in, averaging 14.0 points, 12.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 66 percent from the field.

The Jazz increased their win total again, this time by 11 games to the tune of a 51-31 record, which was good for fifth in the competitive Western Conference. Gobert was a huge reason why.

His growth as a player on both ends made the Jazz a better team. Their defense continued stifling opponents and their offense became more efficient, increasing their offensive rating from 103.1 to 107.4.

Last season, his stat line hovered around the same numbers as 2016-17, but he played in 25 fewer games due to a knee injury. However, his impact on the court, especially as the anchor of the league’s second-ranked defense, was finally recognized at the year’s conclusion.

Gobert claimed his first Defensive Player of the Year award after losing out to Kawhi Leonard and Draymond Green the previous two years.

SBNation put together the following video, portraying Gobert as the “Ultimate Defensive Disruptor,” and summing up his elite defensive skills that stem from his long frame and athleticism.

There’s no question that Gobert’s progression as an NBA player has made the Jazz a much better team. The scary part? Gobert is still just 24 years old with plenty of room to grow and improve.

Along with Donovan Mitchell and the rest of the young Jazz core, Gobert will look to continue his upward trajectory and contention in the West.

If he continues to work on his offensive repertoire, and his health cooperates, he has the potential to be one of the best big men of his era. Even if his offensive game never reaches a high level, he will still go down as one of the best defensive big men in the game if he stays on track.

Anchoring one of the best defensive attacks in basketball, the future for Rudy Gobert is bright in Utah.