Rudy Gobert
Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert has been renowned around the league over the past few seasons for his abilities as a defensive anchor. Gobert has led the Jazz to become a perennial resident near the top of the western conference standings. But unfortunately, the success has not translated to the postseason.
The Utah Jazz has been to five straight postseasons. The franchise has only managed a series win in three of them and hasn’t ventured past the second round in Gobert’s tenure.
Many attributes the Jazz’s playoff struggles to Gobert himself. Lauded for his defense, Gobert has become somewhat of a defensive liability in the NBA playoffs in recent seasons. Teams have exposed Utah by “going small,” forcing Gobert to guard a perimeter player.
From the perimeter, Gobert lacks the recovery speed to defend the rim and typically watches helplessly as teammates allow easy drives to the baskets. When Gobert overhelps, he’s exploited by leaving a three-point shooter wide open.
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Gobert’s name has shown up in trade rumors already this season, and another playoff failure would quite possibly mark the end of the star’s time in Utah. The Jazz may feel they’ve reached the ceiling of their Donovan Mitchell/Rudy Gobert star duo, and move on from one or both of them.
