Gobert thinks it's funny to factor offense into DPOY consideration
Sometimes all you can do is laugh.
Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert is one of the leading candidates (and our midseason pick) for Defensive Player of the Year because he anchors the NBA's top defense and leads the league in defensive rating and win shares.
The Ringer released its midseason award winners Monday, giving Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green the edge over Gobert. One reader took to Twitter to question that decision:
@ringer @Medium wait... Green wins DPOY over @rudygobert27 because... Offense? #alternatefacts
— Justin Clary (@JustinClary11) January 23, 2017
Gobert responded to the tweet with a laugh.
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) January 23, 2017
The 24-year-old Frenchman is among the league's best in rebounding and blocking shots. He's no slouch at the other end of the floor, either, scoring 12.9 points per game (to Green's 10.7) on an NBA-best true shooting percentage of 68.9.
Related: Gobert collects career-high 27 points, 25 rebounds
But it's worth noting that the article emphasizes Green's defensive versatility rather than his offense. His first-place Dubs are tied with the Jazz in giving up a league-low 101 points per 100 possessions.