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[Saba Sports News] Dwight Howard and Rudy Gobert are two of the best defensive centers in the last 15 years, with a combined seven Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) titles since 2008. Gobert has surpassed Howard’s three DPOYs with his fourth win last season. However, Howard believes Gobert doesn’t deserve all those awards, particularly the ones he won before last season.
“I don’t think he deserved those Defensive Player of the Year awards like he got them. He’s a great team defender, but I don’t see him as an elite defender,” Howard said. “He’s 7’2″, so when you’re that tall and playing with athletic guys, you just have to clean up their mistakes or be big in the paint.”
Howard acknowledged Gobert’s improved performance last season, noting that he was more aggressive, better in pick-and-roll situations, and more vocal. However, he suggested that Gobert’s previous DPOY wins were more a result of his team’s overall defense than his individual excellence.
Gobert’s four DPOYs may not sit well with everyone, especially given his well-known struggles on the perimeter, but his impact on defense is undeniable. Advanced statistics consistently rank Gobert as one of the best paint defenders in the NBA, driving opponents away from the basket and forcing them into lower-percentage shots. This has led Gobert’s teams, both the Jazz and Timberwolves, to some of the best defensive ratings in the league.
While Howard questions Gobert’s DPOY wins, particularly last season’s, it’s hard to argue against the numbers. Despite being outperformed by DPOY runner-up Victor Wembanyama in pure stats, Gobert’s impact on the Timberwolves’ defense was clear. Even with his perimeter weaknesses, Gobert remains a dominant force in the paint, consistently replicating his defensive impact throughout the regular season, which is why he continues to win DPOYs, regardless of what the eye test may suggest.