NBA Trades: Pros and cons of a potential Rudy Gobert-Chicago Bulls trade

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JANUARY 21: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in action during the second half of a game against the Detroit Pistons at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 21, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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Apr 28, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks the ball in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during game six of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Vivint Arena, NBA Trades: Pros and cons of a potential Rudy Gobert-Chicago Bulls trade. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA Trades: More pros of a potential Rudy Gobert-Chicago Bulls trade

Let’s not mince words here, Gobert’s skillset on the offensive end pales in comparison to what he brings as a defensive anchor. However, “limited” doesn’t mean “completely ineffective”.

For the last two seasons, the Jazz scored an excellent 4.7 and 5.3 points per 100 possessions above the league average. Roughly 95 percent of that is thanks to Utah’s endless supply of 3-point shooters, but Gobert’s gravity as a rim roller (1.29 PPP as a roll man, 99th percentile) created a lot of those clean looks for his teammates. Assuming the Bulls acquire more shooters this offseason, Gobert could affect the team’s offense in the same way if they got him.

Gobert’s prowess on the offensive glass would also aid a team that ranked last in offensive boards per 100 last year. It may seem like a small thing, but getting those extra chances that either turn into easy putbacks or open threes widens an offense’s margin for error, especially for a team that currently has limited shooting and is dependent on two shot creators to make things happen for them.

These little things are won’t turn a bad offense into a good one, particularly during the postseason, but they hold very good value against the right matchups.

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