Confidence is a trait that most NBA players possess. Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert, however, is taking this notion to the highest level. The 26-year-old Frenchman believes that he is the best defender in the NBA:

“Are you the best defender in the league, Rudy?” Eric Woodyard of the Deseret News asked Gobert after Wednesday night's 108-103 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

“I believe so,” Gobert replied. “But it's a team game, so it's about what we do as a team.”

Gobert's claim to defensive excellence is not far-fetched, as he has been playing well through the early stages of this season. In fact, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year currently ranked sixth among the NBA's leading shot blockers. And just for the record, Gobert is also sixth in rebounding.

In 32 minutes of action against the Warriors, the former 27th overall pick racked up 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field (5-of-6 from the free-throw line), 15 rebounds, one assist and a season-high-tying four blocks. Eight of his 15 rebounds came in the first quarter alone.

According to an official report from the Jazz, Gobert has blocked 17 shots against the Warriors over the past four seasons, which is the most by any player during that span:

Gobert and the Jazz (15-17 and fourth in the Northwest Division) will be back in action on Friday night, when they'll travel to Portland for a matchup against the Trail Blazers.