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NBA DPOY Ladder Week 19: An underappreciated leader

By Jack Simone

Rudy Gobert (R) of the Utah Jazz and Jaren Jackson (L) of the Memphis Grizzlies fights for a position during an NBA Western Conference playoff game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies at Vivant Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 23, 2021. (Photo by GEORGE FREY / AFP) (Photo by GEORGE FREY/AFP via Getty Images)
Rudy Gobert (R) of the Utah Jazz and Jaren Jackson (L) of the Memphis Grizzlies fights for a position during an NBA Western Conference playoff game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies at Vivant Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 23, 2021. (Photo by GEORGE FREY / AFP) (Photo by GEORGE FREY/AFP via Getty Images) /
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NBA DPOY Ladder Week 19: An underappreciated leader
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – FEBRUARY 13: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics is introduced before a game against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on February 13, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /

Week 19 NBA DPOY Ladder: 4. Robert Williams III, Boston Celtics

Throughout 2022, the Boston Celtics have been the best defensive team in the league and it hasn’t been close. They’ve been absolutely dominating teams.

While Marcus Smart deserves a ton of the credit, it’s been Robert Williams III who’s been anchoring their defense, and the youngster is bound to get some recognition at year’s end.

Williams ranks third in the league in total blocks (105) and top-15 in total contested shots (545). He’s a crucial cog in the elite defensive machine that is the Celtics.

One of either Smart or Williams deserves to be in the conversation for this award and depending on the day, it could realistically be either one of them.

Week 19 NBA DPOY Ladder: 3. Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz

A three-time DPOY winner, Rudy Gobert is once again a top candidate to take home the award. His defensive presence completely changes how the Utah Jazz play basketball.

When Robert plays this year, the Jazz are 30-13, and when he is out, they are 6-8. But that’s also part of the issue – he missed a good chunk of time, and the Jazz suffered because of it.

All of the advanced stats (at least on the defensive end) absolutely adore Gobert, and even just looking at just block and contest numbers, he’s amazing.

Obviously, the eye test reveals how badly Gobert can be exposed on the perimeter, but in terms of a true paint protector, there isn’t anyone better in the league than Gobert.