Rudy Gobert is currently pursuing a historic fifth Defensive Player of the Year award. Victor Wembanyama's ability to reach the 65-game threshold is a clear hurdle standing in his way, and so is voter fatigue. Nevertheless, there's no denying Gobert is an elite defender and an indispensable part of the Minnesota Timberwolves' defensive success.
Sunday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers was a prime example of Gobert's importance. With The Stifle Tower sidelined due to a suspension, the Wolves gave up 135 points in a 27-point loss. Likewise, the Wolves posted a 133.7 defensive rating.