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.”

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.

Article Continues Below
More Utah Jazz News
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) drives against Xavier Musketeers forward Jerome Hunter (2) in the first half of the NCAA Tournament First Round game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Xavier Musketeers at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Friday, March 21, 2025. Xavier was eliminated from the tournament, losing 86-73, to Illinois.
3 players Utah Jazz must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftZachary Howell ·
Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy alongside a shadowy player in an Utah Jazz jersey, NBA Draft pick
Utah Jazz’s perfect outcome for No. 5 pick in 2025 NBA DraftDavid Yapkowitz ·
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) steals the ball from Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) during the second quarter at Delta Center.
Bill Simmons brainstorms Paul George for Lauri Markkanen 76ers-Jazz tradePreston Byers ·
Utah Jazz CEO Danny Ainge looks on before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Delta Center. Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
NBA rumors: Jazz already talking with fellow lottery team on tradeJake Faigus ·
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) reacts after a basket with forward Brice Sensabaugh (28) against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at State Farm Arena.
New Jazz executive shuts down tanking narrativeBenedetto Vitale ·
Danny Ainge best NBA trade deadline assets
Jazz hire Danny Ainge’s son to lead front officeMalik Brown ·

“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.