Bovada, a famous website for releasing sports betting odds, came out with its odds for which player will win the NBA MVP next season.
Russell Westbrook topped the charts followed by Kevin Durant. Nowhere to be found on that list however was Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert.
Gobert is coming off the best season of his career. After early on establishing himself as a great defensive anchor, he developed a more all-around game on top of that and became a complete force on both ends of the floor last season, posting averages of 14.0 points, 12.8 rebounds and a league-leading 2.6 blocks per game.
More impressively was the fact that he second in the NBA in total win shares, further demonstrating his value to the Jazz, who finished the year 51-31, fifth in the Western Conference.
On the subject, Gobert took to Twitter today to voice his displeasure with the absence.
Beating the odds is what i do for a living. https://t.co/BAvQHrNv4c
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) August 16, 2017
Coming from France, Gobert wasn't a household NBA entering the league, being drafted 27th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. His stock has only risen since as he's always maintained a chip on his shoulder to fuel his play.
Gobert will be even more of a focal point next season for the Jazz with Gordon Hayward leaving town. He may have to take on an even greater offensive burden while remaining a defensive stalwart. If he can pull that off and keep the Jazz in the playoff picture, his name may be brought up in the MVP discussion.
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