Rudy Gobert’s name comes up a lot, and usually not for the best reasons. People love to point out his massive contract and his shaky offensive game, but it’s his defensive accolades, backed by four Defensive Player of the Year awards, that draw the most heat.
Recently, his defensive prowess was questioned by Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, who continues to doubt Gobert as a DPOY-caliber player. Now, Dwight Howard, a defensive-minded player himself, has echoed a similar sentiment.
In a recent interview, Howard was critical of Gobert, stating that he doesn’t believe the French big man deserves his four Defensive Player of the Year awards. Howard even went so far as to say he doesn’t consider Gobert an elite defender.
“I don’t think he deserved those Defensive Player of the Years like he got them. I feel like he’s a great team defender but for what he did to get those Defensive Player of the Years, I don’t see it. I don’t see him being an elite defender,” Howard said.
Dwight Howard shares his thoughts on Rudy Gobert’s DPOYs 👀 pic.twitter.com/eWRSQcGvxD
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) August 30, 2024
