Co-Host of the Undefeated Shannon Sharpe makes a harsh claim about Rudy Gobert and his DPOY status after the Clippers beat the Utah Jazz in the paint
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Going into the 2021 Playoffs, many had high hopes for the Utah Jazz. Not only did they have the best record in the West, but their playing style on both ends was very entertaining to watch. With Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert anchoring on both ends, the franchise quite simply looked formidable ahead of this postseason.
Fast forward to the second round, and after having a 2-0 series lead, the franchise is crashing out of the playoffs in 6 games. So, what happened?
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Well, it seems that the Jazz’s system wasn’t quite ready for the intensity of the postseason. And due to this, despite being hurt, this Clippers’ side absolutely ripped them apart on both ends of the floor. As many were, analyst Shannon Sharpe was observing this game deeply. When Utah started to look downright helpless on the defensive end, the analyst had a bone to pick with one specific player.
Shannon Sharpe blames Rudy Gobert and his lackluster defense for Utah loss
Many consider this year’s defensive player-of-the-year selection to be a bit of a controversial one. Many pointed towards Ben Simmons for this award, given his abilities on the outside and inside. Even Draymond Green was hailed as perhaps the best candidate, after helping the Warriors finish as the 5th best defense in the league.
In the end, Rudy Gobert bagged the honor. To be fair to him, he is one of the premier rim protectors in the league. While he isn’t amazing as an outside defender, he has most certainly improved. However, it seems that all crumbled in this series. The Clippers ran rings around him. Yes, we mean that literally.
Sometimes, they didn’t even have to pass around him. There were multiple occasions where shorter players like Reggie Jackson challenged him at the rim and got a relatively easy layup. These aren’t skills worthy of a defensive player of the year, and it seems that Shannon Sharpe agrees. Here is what he tweeted.
They might want to re vote on DPOY, it’s an interstate to the basket
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) June 19, 2021
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It may be a bit harsh to go as far as Sharpe does here. However, we can’t help but agree with the sentiment. He was supposed to be the defensive anchor for this side. His ability on that end of the floor was supposed to be the reason he was on the floor at all. Instead, he was really more of a liability for the team.
The Jazz have a lot to thinking to do this off-season.