NBA: 30 greatest international players in league history

SAN ANTONIO - MAY 09: Guard Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball past Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on May 9, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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Greatest international NBA players of all time: 24. Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert may have come into the league an uncelebrated late first-round pick in 2013, but it was easy to see his potential early on that could help develop him into one of the elite defensemen across the NBA landscape.

He stood approximately 7’2” with a 7’8.5” wingspan. His standing reach also had him within three inches of the rim to go along with athleticism that made his range for both blocks and lob catches even wider. Needless to say, Gobert was an intimidating presence around the bucket at both ends who had the physical traits in place to make an impact.

Most non-lottery picks may take a few years to show promise. For Gobert, it came in just his second season. In the midst of averaging 9.5 boards and 2.3 blocks in less than 27 minutes a game, the Utah Jazz dealt who was then the current starting center in Enes Kanter to make room for the guy they clearly saw as the future in the middle.

Over the last three seasons, Gobert has blossomed into a rim-running aficionado and the captain for one of the best defenses in the NBA. The Stifle Tower has put up 14.5 points on a ridiculous 65.1 percent shooting to compliment 12.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks a game.

He’s coming off a season in which he averaged career-highs in points and rebounds per game and is now just entering his prime at 27. Gobert’s trophy collection continues to grow each year as the reigning two-time Defensive Player of the Year with three All-Defensive Team and two All-NBA selections.

Had the Jazz kept him off the bench, there’s no telling where Gobert would be in the present day. After making the right decision, their star center continues to take advantage of his gifts and improve each year, placing him on a trajectory to join some of the best defensive big men in league history.