Rudy Gobert just signed a 5-year/$205m extension with the Utah Jazz, making it the biggest contract for a center in NBA history and third all-time behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and Russell Westbrook.
Here’s the question everyone is asking: is he worth the hefty extension?
The answer should be simple. Gobert is a traditional back-to-the-basket big which is rare in today’s game. Despite his playstyle, Gobert has managed to be one of the most impactful players in the league averaging 11 points and 11 rebounds for his career. Needless to say, teams around the league were looking at him and Utah took a gamble, one that needed to be taken.
Gobert deserves an extension like this because he works his tail off every game and keeps Utah In many games down the stretch. The past two seasons we have seen a huge leap in production from the product of France as he’s managed to put up a solid 15 points and 13 rebounds respectively. For a two-time DPOY, four-time all defense, block champion, and a one-time all-star; his resume speakers for itself.
To perform at this level during an era where the emphasis of the big man is shifting, Gobert is proving that traditional bigs are still alive and well.
On another note, it’s really great to see a franchise take care of a guy who has been with the team his whole career, 7 years and counting. Locking up Gobert and Mitchell is putting Utah in a conversation to be competitive in the playoffs for years to come. A smart move as many teams wanted a piece of Gobert.