Utah Jazz: Is it possible to survive without Rudy Gobert?

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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 17: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz reacts in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at Barclays Center on November 17, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Gobert’s Impact On Defense

The Utah Jazz were planning to rely heavily on their defense this season. There has been a little drop off from last year, but they are still outstanding. Right now the Jazz are 7th in defensive rating. Without Gobert they are allowing 107 points per game, with him, they were only allowing 99 points per game. Gobert is a rim protector and an excellent defensive rebounder.

According to cleaningtheglass.com Gobert has a 94% block percentage.

That is incredible. Ekpe Udoh is the only other Jazz big that comes close. He is a capable shot blocker, but not a good rebounder or offensive player. Gobert rebounds 77 percent of missed free throws, which leads the team and 74 percent of missed field goals.

These numbers show why the Jazz have dropped to 13th in defensive rebounding percentage. Last year they were 4th. Offensive rebounds and fouling too much have been the two issues for the Jazz on defense. They are 19th in opposing free throw rate.

Gobert blocks Nerlesn Noel, then Noel gets the ball back, and Gobert blocks him again. This is just mean, and Noel still hasn’t recovered. You can’t replace this kind of rim protection.

Favors is a solid defender. He ranks above average in the 58th percentile overall. A solid rebounder and rim protector, but not like Gobert.

Then, the second issue is the weight a lousy offense can have on defense. Especially an offense that turns the ball over regularly. Utah is 16th in allowing points off steals. In the half court, the Jazz is as solid as it gets. The problem is they are giving teams some easy points. Free throws, points off steals and offensive rebounds.

Gobert’s weakness is fouling too much, but his strengths make up for that. Sefolosha and Jerebko are both solid rebounders, but they both need to pick up the slack at the four. It will need to be a team effort on the glass without Gobert.

Fouling and cleaning the glass is solvable for the Jazz. Turnovers are the most prominent issue. Especially since they are 26th in pace. This is why starting Jerebko makes more sense; he is far less turnover prone than Sefolosha at the four.

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