The Utah Jazz All Star Center Rudy Gobert just signed a 5-year extension worth $205 million; this includes a player option in the 5th year. This is the most money ever paid to a Center in NBA History. Gobert has accomplished some good things in the NBA including being a 2-time Defensive player of the year. Also, he has been an All-NBA player 3 times, and has made the All-Defensive first team for 4 straight years including this past season. Gobert has made his name in the NBA as a good help side defender and rebounder. The questions did the Utah Jazz overpay to keep the big man.
Gobert’s contract coincides with Donovan Mitchell’s, who also received an extension this off season, so it ensures the duo is together for minimum 4 more years. If you’re the Utah Jazz you had to make the decision to pay Gobert more than market value. This is because of everything he does for your team defensively. Also, from the Jazz perspective they can keep their name in discussions about playoff contenders for the next couple years.
For Gobert to make people not view him as being overpaid is he must develop an offensive post game. He averaged just 15 points last season; he must get closer to 25 a game. If he is unable to get close to 25 points consistently the Jazz will never be considered as NBA title contenders. He also has to get better at on ball defending especially when going up against some of the better offensive centers in the league. Lastly if he improves as a passer it will help take pressure off Donovan Mitchell, so he doesn’t have to do so much offensively. The Utah Jazz want to win a championship but in order to do so Gobert will have to show improve offensively; otherwise it will always be first round playoff exits for the next 5 years.
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