Rudy Gobert31-year-old center of the The Minnesota Timberwolveswas elected NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the fourth time in his career, after having already been awarded the prize before in the seasons 2018, 2019 y 2021 when he was active in the Utah Jazz and became the third player who achieves that nomination for the fourth time alongside the legendary Dikembe Mutombo y Ben Wallace.
He 2.16 m French player He took first place in the award voting ahead of his compatriot the ‘rookie’ Victor WembanyamaSpurs power forward, Bam Adebayo Miami Heat center and Anthony Daviscenter for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Gobertwho missed the second game of the playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Monday after the birth of his son a few hours before the meeting, it was the sixth leading blocker in the NBA with 2.1 interceptions per game and limited their opponents to an effective field goal percentage of 45,2%, the lowest among 38 players. Furthermore, he held the fourth place in defensive rebounds of the League with 9,2 per match.
His Wolves with him, the best defense in the NBA
His is a large part of the merit that his team, The Wolves have wielded the best defense in the NBA by allowing its rivals only 108.4 points per 100 possessions, 2.2 less than the Boston Celtics, second classified in this defensive ranking. And the Wolves They limited their opponents to 56.6% in dunk attempts and layups, the lowest rate in the League. Largely thanks to him.
Gobert tries to block Jamal Murray’s tackle in a game against the Nuggets.
Its power of intimidation is clear in a piece of information that reveals Second Spectrum according to which his opponents attempted only 21.6% of their shots from inside the zone when Gobert is on the court, which would have been the lowest percentage among any team this season. That figure increased to 26.7% when off the court, which would have been the sixth highest among all teams.
An unbeatable player in direct duels
Furthermore, he was the player who allowed the fewest points in direct duels against rivals, defending at least 175 such possessions according to Second Spectrum tracking. He also highlighted how defensor de pick-and-rollallowing the third fewest points per direct pick, defending at least 1,000 on-ball picks.
It is a blessing and an honor to join this small group. These two guys are legends. Each story is unique. I will continue writing mine and try to be the best version of myself every day
Rudy Gobert (Wolves Player)
“It is a blessing and an honor to join this small group”Rudy Gobert told ESPN. “These two guys are legends,” he assured when referring to Ben Wallace y Dikembe Mutombo. “Every story is unique. I will continue to write mine and try to be the best version of myself every day and enjoy every step of the way,” he said.
Gobert tries to block a Jokic shot in a Wolves-Nuggets.
The Frenchman dedicated the award to his team: “I am grateful that my teammates and this organization believe in me and allow me to be who I am. It’s always about the team and push each other to do our best of us every day.
I am grateful that my teammates and this organization believe in me and allow me to be who I am.
To his 31 years old and after 11 seasons in the NBAIn addition to being recognized four times with the Defensive Player of the Year award, Gobert has been included six seasons in the best defensive quintet, four in the best quintets and three times All Star. A magnificent baggage for a player whose Many already consider him to be the best defender in NBA history..
2024-05-08 10:10:58
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