At 33, Rudy Gobert is still showcasing a Defensive Player of the Year-worthy season. While Victor Wembanyama might edge him out if he plays over 65 games, Gobert's impact on defense is undeniable. His ability to deter shots at the rim and influence the game defensively is rivaled only by Wembanyama.
According to Cleaning the Glass, the Timberwolves' defense improves by 11 points per 100 possessions with Gobert on the floor. Among players with over 500 minutes this season, only Wembanyama and Derrick White have a more significant on/off impact, with swings of 13.5 and 11.2, respectively.
This underscores Wembanyama’s exceptional defensive prowess and highlights White’s versatility and point-of-attack skills. However, White doesn’t serve as the defensive anchor like Gobert and Wembanyama, who fundamentally alter opponents' strategies.
Both Gobert and Wembanyama are crucial to their teams’ defensive success. Without them, neither team would approach elite defensive status.
Gobert’s defensive impact is only rivaled by Wembanyama. Opponents attack the rim 6.2 percent less with Gobert on the court, compared to 5.1 percent with Wembanyama. Although Wembanyama averages 3.1 blocks to Gobert’s 1.7, and opponents shoot 3.9 points worse when guarded by Wembanyama, Gobert remains close behind in defensive prowess.
Gobert’s rim protection is complemented by his underrated versatility and isolation defense. Among 31 players defending over 150 isolation possessions, Gobert allows the fewest points per chance.
While the league boasts many elite defenders like Chet Holmgren, Scottie Barnes, Derrick White, Bam Adebayo, and the Thompson twins, Gobert’s ability to anchor a defense and adapt to different roles is matched only by Wembanyama.
Challenging Wembanyama’s defensive excellence is a significant feat. Given Gobert’s vital role in the Timberwolves' defense and his comprehensive impact, he deserves to finish second in DPOY voting, or at the very least, third.