The Utah Jazz have survived a myriad of injuries and impasses over the course of the season, going from what was likely the graveyard of the Western Conference to steadily climbing up the ladder to seventh place in a brutal playoff race.

Rudy Gobert has proven one of the most pivotal players in this transformation, taking what was a 19-28 team to team 10 games over the .500 mark at 42-32 — enlarging his case for being this year's Defensive Player of the Year.

“I've been the most impactful player this year,” Gobert told ESPN's Tim MacMahon, reiterating his recent comments to local reporters that there is “no question” that he deserves the award after finishing as runner-up to Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green last season.

Green and Gobert sported the same exact defensive net rating at the end of last season, making it a tough choice by voters, given that Gobert led the league in blocks while Green led the NBA in steals per game.

“It's a team game. The Defensive Player of the Year is the guy that makes his team better. Not only gets stats, it's the guy that also has an impact on his teammates and leadership.

“There's a lot of things you don't see on the stats.”

Article Continues Below
More Utah Jazz News
Collin Sexton in Charlotte Hornets jersey wearing #2 and Jusuf Nurkic in Utah Jazz jersey wearing #27 with a purple background
Grading Hornets-Jazz trade involving Collin Sexton, Jusuf NurkicKris Pursiainen ·
image thumbnail
Jazz rumors: Utah seeking Jordan Clarkson trade, but there’s a catchJedd Pagaduan ·
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) handles the ball against Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) during the second half at Spectrum Center.
Hornets acquire Collin Sexton from Jazz for Jusuf NurkicTroy Finnegan ·
Ace Bailey stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the fifth pick by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Ace Bailey gym video sparks buzz after rookie’s Jazz arrivalRichard Pereira ·
Jazz's Ace Bailey arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center
Jazz’s Ace Bailey officially lands in Utah before Summer LeagueJosue Pavon ·
image thumbnail
Kendrick Perkins slams ‘vultures’ in Ace Bailey Jazz sagaMatty Breisch ·

Green was coming off two straight seasons as a runner-up to San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, and this year's impressive ascension of the Jazz might just be the card that could trump them all when the NBA awards come around.

“His presence on the floor gives us a chance,” head coach Quin Snyder said. “He's our most important player as far as how he anchors our team. He's the foundation.”

Snyder's claim was backed up by another defense-loving coach in Dallas Mavericks' Rick Carlisle.

“Gobert is a defense unto himself,” Carlisle said before a loss in Utah last month.

A 7-foot-1 virtual eraser of a man, Gobert's 2.35 blocks per game ranks third in the league after Kristaps Porzingis and Anthony Davis — but it's his ability to alter shots and intimidate opponents that has made him such a viable tool in the middle of the paint.