Let's face it, all Jazz fans realize that Gobert just isn't the same this year. He doesn't rim run hardly at all, his vertical and defensive quickness on hedging out at the perimeter has been lagging, he can't catch a ball, he has no offensive moves and even his defensive abilities don't seem dominant like he once did. Is it scouting? Have teams just figured him out? Is it the injury still affecting him? While it is easy to blame these things, I personally believe that Rudy simply didn't get any better over the summer. His breakout may have been more of a flash in the pan rather than actual substance. It is irritating because he has all the tools and the passion to become one of the greatest. When was the last time Rudy showed that edge and aggressive competitiveness to swat every shot, run the court, dunk with ferocity and take pride in controlling the game? I'm not sure I've seen it at all this season. However, I do believe Rudy will bounce back. His knee probably has slowed him down a bit and his confidence might be low right now, but he is just too hard of a worker to stay in a funk. It's not a given, it's something he needs to really work at and want, but I believe Gobert will be the player fans loved again. Hopefully sooner rather than later, but either way, look out NBA, Rudy is coming back.
BTW, here's the best Gobert video on the web.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkumfWzURuQ
(Sorry, I don't know how to embed a video)
BTW, here's the best Gobert video on the web.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkumfWzURuQ
(Sorry, I don't know how to embed a video)