Sky's the limit for Rudy Gobert as the Frenchman can only soar to the greater heights as the next season unfolds.
Gobert has been anointed as "The Stifle Tower" because of his height, defensive prowess and his nationality. Bill Simmons, formerly of Grantland and ESPN noted that it was one of the best monikers in recent years.
Last year, he was in the ballot for Most Improved Player and Defensive Player of the Year. Those were two of the most hotly contested awards.
They went to Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard respectively. Gobert finished third for MIP and fifth in DPOY. All he could tweet after the results were released:
"Can't wait for next season."
Gobert is being pushed to take the Defensive accolade next season by the Salt Lake Tribune. He failed to win both awards because he only started in a limited number of games. Gobert got a chance to shine when Enes Kanter was injured, and when Kanter returned to take the starting spot, the Utah Jazz traded him at the deadline, giving the reins to Gobert full time for the rest of the season.
One wonders what the Stifle Tower could do if he took the starting nod a full season, which he will in October. Jazz coach Quin Snyder is already anticipating.
"His defense ... is so impactful," he said to SLT. "But I think, additionally, he could continue to have the impact he has around the rim in different facets of our defense, particularly as a leader. ... The more communicative he can be, the better he'll become and we'll become."
It can be argued that the Salt Lake is a homer publication, but Basketball Insiders were likewise in awe.
"The growth Gobert has made in such a short time is almost hard to believe, BI said. "He has transformed himself from a developing prospect who barely played to an elite interior defender in less than one calendar year."
The numbers back up the claim: "Gobert has seen his minutes increase by 15.1 per game this season and his production has followed. With the opportunity to play steady minutes, Gobert has seen per game numbers rise in almost every category from a season ago. Most notably, he is averaging 5.2 more points, 5.4 more rebounds and 1.4 more blocks per game.
The Defensive Player of the Year award usually belongs to the Center. Gobert finished behind DeAndre Jordan among centers but that might change if the Stifle Tower, like Jordan, starts the entire season.