In basketball, accolades and performance don’t always align seamlessly. This paradox is epitomized by Rudy Gobert, who has been crowned the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year four times. Despite this, Gobert’s defensive prowess has been questioned, particularly in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs. Recently, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups voiced his concerns.
Gobert’s regular-season statistics are nothing short of impressive. His ability to protect the rim, block shots, and alter opponents’ offensive strategies has earned him the DPOY award in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024. His presence in the paint is a deterrent for many teams, forcing them to rethink their approach when facing the Timberwolves.
However, the playoffs tell a different story. Billups, a former NBA champion and now a head coach, expressed his struggle with the fact that Gobert, despite his regular-season dominance, becomes a target in the playoffs.
“You don’t just attack great defensive players. You go away from them,”
Billups remarked, emphasizing that Gobert’s defensive impact diminishes when teams exploit his weaknesses in space and pick-and-roll situations.
Chauncey Billups says he struggles with the fact that Rudy Gobert is a Defensive Player of the Year, yet teams are still able to attack him in the playoffs
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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 19, 2024
Billups’ critique is rooted in his experience. During his tenure as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2020-21 season, he witnessed firsthand how the Clippers targeted Gobert in their playoff series against the Utah Jazz. The strategy was effective, leading to the Clippers’ victory and raising questions about Gobert’s versatility as a defender.
This criticism isn’t isolated. Other prominent voices in the basketball world, including Kendrick Perkins and Shaquille O’Neal, have also questioned Gobert’s DPOY status. They argue that while Gobert excels as a rim protector, his struggles in handling quicker, more versatile players in the playoffs undermine his overall defensive impact.
The debate over Rudy Gobert’s defensive capabilities highlights a broader issue in evaluating players. While regular-season performance is crucial, the playoffs often reveal deeper insights into a player’s true impact.
