NBA: Handing out individual mid-season awards for 2021-22
By Nick Andre
Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
I understand that this may be the generic answer, considering Rudy Gobert has won the trophy multiple times. But the Utah Jazz has been one of the premier teams in the NBA and it’s thanks in part to their defensive effort.
Gobert is the leader of the Jazz defense who sets the tone in the interior. He continues to have pride on that end and make things difficult for other centers he is matched up against each night.
Once again, Gobert’s defensive presence shows up in the stat sheet. He’s averaging 15.1 rebounds per game along with 2.3 blocks. Through the course of the young season, he had multiple games where he recorded four-plus blocks that led to a big win for the Jazz. If Gobert continues to stand out amongst other great defensive players, the trophy will be his once again.