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Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert’s main responsibilities for his team is to swallow whole any shots opponents take inside the paint and clean the glass. Gobert, however, seems to be adding another dimension to his game. In an Instagram story posted by teammate Donovan Mitchell, Gobert could be seen practicing his jump shot – off the catch!
Donovan Mitchell gives us the inside look at what Rudy Gobert is doing in the gym this offseason. pic.twitter.com/zkfgEtimQo
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 10, 2018
Now, we’re not expecting Gobert to run through screens and pop for a catch-and-shoot jumper, beginning next season, because for one, the NBA isn’t a sci-fi movie. Still, the idea of the towering center extending his range is a scary thought. Last season, Gobert took just 12 attempts outside of the shaded area and made five of them. If he could make jumpers on a consistent basis, that would make a big impact on the Jazz’s offense, as it would effectively stretch opposing defenses. In that case, Donovan Mitchell should find wide lanes in the paint for him to attack.
Gobert, the 2018 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, is just one of the growing number of big men who are working hard to develop a perimeter touch. DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis have all incorporated the three-point shot to their arsenal, even Andre Drummond has started to add the touch to his weaponry.
Last season, Gobert averaged 13.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He also shot an incredible 62.2 percent from the field, thanks to his preference to take shots within point-blank range.
