AGREE OR DISAGREE: Rudy Gobert’s Next Up as Best Shot Blocker in the NBA

You have probably never heard of second-year Center Rudy Gobert, from the Utah Jazz, but that will be changing soon. Gobert is only averaging 6.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks a game in only 20.7 minutes a game. Gobert is shooting 64.3% from the field, 66.7% from the charity stripe and he is currently tied for fourth place in blocks in the NBA. The four leaders ahead of him in blocks are averaging 32 to 36 minutes a game.

In the last two weeks Gobert has averaged 8.1 points, 8. 3 rebounds, 3.6 blocks and 1 steal a game. Gobert recorded a career-high 7 blocks on January 9th in a 99-94 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In a blowout 97-77 victory against the Chicago Bulls on January 7th, Gobert had 11 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks. The Bulls were held to a season-low in points and shot a horrible 33.3% from the field and Gobert held All-Star Joakim Noah to 0-3 from the field with 1 point. Gobert has put up career-highs of 13 points, 16 rebounds, 7 blocks, 4 assists and 3 steals all within the last month.

The Jazz defense has improved with Gobert on the floor and the Jazz are only allowing 94.8 points per 100 possessions. Gobert is leading the NBA in Blocks Per 48 Minutes with 5 blocks per 48 minutes. If you ever get the chance to see the Jazz play, Gobert will be throwing a block party with his shot-blocking skills. His numbers aren’t the greatest, but those are good numbers for the minutes given to him.

I’m happy I was able to sign him on my fantasy basketball team and in my opinion he has the potential to become the next Dikembe Mutombo in the paint. It’s good to finally see a big man attempt to block every shot and not worry about being put on a highlight reel.

Photo Credits: Club.Quomodo.com (pic 1), DesertNews.com (pic 2), CBS- Chicago (pic 3)