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NBA: The 10 Most Underrated Players Of 2016-17

By Evan Dyal

Feb 10, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) moves against Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) in the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) moves against Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) in the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 12, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) rubs his throat after he gets hit in the neck during the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) rubs his throat after he gets hit in the neck during the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz

The Stifle Tower! Rudy Gobert is massive at 7-foot-1, 245 pounds, and the longest arms in the history of the NBA. He is an absolute force in the paint, and the best rim protector in the league. In his fourth season, he is averaging a career high 13 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.5 blocks. He is also shooting a career high 64 percent from the field.

Gobert is first in the league in blocks, fifth in rebounds and 2nd in FG%. Rudy deserves to be an all-star, he is better than Deandre Jordan. The main edge he has over Jordan is that he can actually shoot free throws at a respectable 66 percent. Most bigs who block shots also struggle with fouling a lot; not Gobert. He is fourth in the league at blocks per foul rate. Overall he has a 22.16 PER, good for 26th in the league. Utah boast the third best defence in the league, and Gobert is the anchor of their defense. The Jazz play at an extremely slow pace and make you earn everything.

If you are able to penetrate Gobert is there to block your shot, or alter it. His offense is what improved the most though. He has become a devastating pick and roll threat, as a player who runs to the rims to catch lobs and finish. Think of a young Tyson Chandler. Utah may get home court in the playoffs and are going to be a tough out, for whoever they play. Gobert brings Utah their toughness, because no one protects the rim better than him. Like Jokic, this guys should have lots of all-star games in his future.

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