Rudy Gobert, a French professional basketball player, was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves on July 6, 2022. During the recent season, the 32-year-old performed impressively, leading to his fourth Defensive Player of the Year Award. However, former NBA player Dwight Howard, who recently revealed the person behind breaking the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship roster, is not satisfied with Gobert’s achievement.
Howard recently appeared on Gil’s Arena show and voiced his displeasure with Gobert’s four-time DPOY status. The former NBA player stated that Gobert did not deserve to win the Defensive Player of the Year.
“I don’t think he deserved those Defensive Player of the Years like he got them. And I feel like he’s a great team defender but for what he did to get those Defensive Player of the Years, I don’t see it. I don’t see him being an elite defender.” Howard said.
Howard and Gobert are considered two of the greatest defensive players ever. The former NBA player believes that Gobert is an exceptional team defender, but questions whether his efforts for the DPOY award are justified.
Dwight Howard Highlights Gobert’s Height Advantage
Howard, who is currently playing for the Taiwan Mustangs in the Asian Tournament, has been an exceptional player for several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship roster. He was an NBA champion, an eight-time All-Star, an eight-time All-NBA Team honoree, a five-time All-Defensive Team member, and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year. The 38-year-old elaborated on his statement by pointing out that Gobert is 7’2″, so you don’t need to put in much work at this height.
“I see him as somebody who has the size. He’s 7’2″. So when you are 7’2″, and you’re playing with athletic guys, you don’t have to do anything but clean up their mistakes or just be big in the paint. This year, he was actually up in the pick and rolls. He was moving his feet. He was talking more, and he was actually being aggressive. The years before that, I think they just gave it to him because of his team defense.” Howard added.
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According to StatMuse, Gobert averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in 76 games during the 2023-24 season. He won his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. The new season will begin in two months, and it will be exciting to see what Gobert can accomplish.
Also Read: REPORT: Dwight Howard’s Disturbing Sexual Assault Lawsuit Involving Another Man Takes A Wild Turn
