BleedGopher
Well-known member
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- Nov 11, 2008
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Per BR:
Career Stats: 0.7 SPG, 2.0 BPG, 1.1 STL%, 5.6 BLK%, 55.3 DWS, 1.9 DBPM
DPOYs: 4 | Top-10 DPOY Finishes: 10 | All-Defensive: 8 First Team, 1 Second Team
Much like the peak versions of Stephen Curry or James Harden were almost offenses unto themselves, Rudy Gobert is a one-man wrecking machine around the rim (and on the perimeter) who nearly guarantees a good defense.
For the five seasons prior to his becoming the full-time starting 5 for the Utah Jazz, they were 25th in the league in points allowed per possession. During his seven years in that role for Utah, it was first in that category. The flip was similar for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were 25th over the five years pre-Gobert and third since trading for him.
The reason for the change is simple. Few players across NBA history were better at nearly eliminating the paint from the opposing offense's options. Gobert is massive, possesses defensive instincts few bigs ever have and rarely chases blocks that would leave the rest of his defense compromised.
It's no wonder he's tied for the all-time lead in career Defensive Player of the Year wins.
Career Stats: 1.3 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.9 STL%, 3.0 BLK%, 91.5 DWS, 2.1 DBPM
DPOYs: 1 | Top-10 DPOY Finishes: 11 | All-Defensive: 9 First Team, 3 Second Team
Dirk Nowitzki gets most of the credit for expanding offensive responsibilities and versatility for big men in the NBA. Draymond might be the answer for who did the same thing on the defensive end.
But Kevin Garnett is at least part of the answer on both ends.
Despite being the most important offensive player to his Minnesota Timberwolves team and having to carry that load as both a scorer and playmaker, KG was one of his era's very best rebounders, rim protectors and all-around defenders. His athleticism helped him menace much smaller players after switches, too.
And while his raw numbers tailed off a bit when he was traded to the Boston Celtics, Garnett's experience, intensity and leadership helped establish the culture of one of the greatest defenses of all time.
When Boston won the title in 2008, its regular-season defensive rating was 8.6 points better than the league average.
Howl Wolves!!
9. Rudy Gobert, C
Years: 2013-present | Teams: UTA, MINCareer Stats: 0.7 SPG, 2.0 BPG, 1.1 STL%, 5.6 BLK%, 55.3 DWS, 1.9 DBPM
DPOYs: 4 | Top-10 DPOY Finishes: 10 | All-Defensive: 8 First Team, 1 Second Team
Much like the peak versions of Stephen Curry or James Harden were almost offenses unto themselves, Rudy Gobert is a one-man wrecking machine around the rim (and on the perimeter) who nearly guarantees a good defense.
For the five seasons prior to his becoming the full-time starting 5 for the Utah Jazz, they were 25th in the league in points allowed per possession. During his seven years in that role for Utah, it was first in that category. The flip was similar for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were 25th over the five years pre-Gobert and third since trading for him.
The reason for the change is simple. Few players across NBA history were better at nearly eliminating the paint from the opposing offense's options. Gobert is massive, possesses defensive instincts few bigs ever have and rarely chases blocks that would leave the rest of his defense compromised.
It's no wonder he's tied for the all-time lead in career Defensive Player of the Year wins.
3. Kevin Garnett, PF
Years: 1995-2016 | Teams: MIN, BOS, BKNCareer Stats: 1.3 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.9 STL%, 3.0 BLK%, 91.5 DWS, 2.1 DBPM
DPOYs: 1 | Top-10 DPOY Finishes: 11 | All-Defensive: 9 First Team, 3 Second Team
Dirk Nowitzki gets most of the credit for expanding offensive responsibilities and versatility for big men in the NBA. Draymond might be the answer for who did the same thing on the defensive end.
But Kevin Garnett is at least part of the answer on both ends.
Despite being the most important offensive player to his Minnesota Timberwolves team and having to carry that load as both a scorer and playmaker, KG was one of his era's very best rebounders, rim protectors and all-around defenders. His athleticism helped him menace much smaller players after switches, too.
And while his raw numbers tailed off a bit when he was traded to the Boston Celtics, Garnett's experience, intensity and leadership helped establish the culture of one of the greatest defenses of all time.
When Boston won the title in 2008, its regular-season defensive rating was 8.6 points better than the league average.
Howl Wolves!!
, you got a long way to go