Rudy Gobert will be expected to play against the Rockets on Thursday. Although Jeff Whithey will start the game at center, Gobert will be playing off the bench and rejoining with his teammates. It can be a memorable return for his as the injury was fatal. Rudy Gobert has been out from NBA since December 2 suffering a bad knee injury during practicing. However, he was then diagnosed with a grade 2 MCL sprain, for which he could out of NBA indefinitely. NBA basketball players who have suffered similar injuries, have been out for 4-7 weeks. Rudy’s been out for five weeks already and he is on the verge of return. It seems that, his recovery was right on schedule.
He spent an amazing last season with Utah Jazz. His game changing defensive presence for the Jazz made him one of the most notable players. He joined the Jazz following a trade that sent Enes Kanter to the Thunder. Since his emergence into Jazz, he has established himself as the NBA’s most fearsome rim protector and great rebounder. Although, his offensive skills have not fully developed yet, but he can play near the rim. He is a well heighted most fitted athlete. Rudy Gobert’s age is now 23, which indicates that he is one of Utah’s most talented young pieces.
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Gobert is the key to Jazz’s long term success. The 7’1’’ French professional basketball player has earned himself a nickname,”The Stifle Tower”. Rudy Gobert was the overall 2013 NBA draft for Utah. Last year, on October 17, 2015, Utah Jazz extended their contract through 2016-17 NBA season with him. He is the Bronze medal winner at the FIBA Europe Championship for U-20 in 2011. His name was announced to the All-tournament team alongside his countryman Léo Westermann. Gobert was also an important part of Bronze medal winning France team at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. In that tournament, he scored 4.1 points per match.
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The return of Rudy Gobert will definitely improve Jazz’s defense. The Frenchmen is truly an asset for them in the coming future. Rudy’s return is a huge boon for the Utah Jazz. They went 7-11 during his absence, but managed to hold on to the eight best record in the west. It is unfortunate for the Jazz that, another player Derrick Favors also got injured. Jeff Withey has been expected to fill the gap as a center. This season of NBA is so far running good for Gobert as he is averaging 9 points, 11 rebounds and over 2 blocks per game for Utah Jazz.
