BREAKING: Rudy Gobert Wins Third Defensive Player of the Year Award
Rudy Gobert (27) blocks Dillon Brooks (24) in the opening round of the Western Conference Playoffs
The Stifle Tower has done it once again. Rudy Gobert has officially been named the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year.
The Jazz big man beat out Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons, and Golden State Warriors center Draymond Green for the trophy.
This is Gobert's third time being named as the winner of this award, with the previous two occurrences coming in 2018 and 2019. He now holds the record for all-time Defensive Player of the Year Awards in franchise history, passing the late Mark Eaton who won in 1985 and 1989.
It was announced on Wednesday that Gobert had won the DPOY title, but the Frenchman was unaware of his victory until his arrival to Utah's facilities.
Head Coach Quin Snyder placed the award in Gobert's locker, and all of his teammates were anxiously awaiting the arrival of the current face of defensive dominance.
As Gobert stepped through the locker room door and caught a glimpse of his new award, he was greeted by his cheering peers and a water bottle celebration.
In humility, Gobert responded to Joe Ingles "well deserved" remarks by saying, "I couldn't have done it without you guys." To which Ingles replied, "We know."
According to the Utah Jazz PR team, Gobert ranks first in the NBA in total rebounds (960), defensive rebounds (720), blocks (190), defensive win shares (5.2) and defensive rating (100.6).
Gobert is now tied for second most all-time Defensive Player of the Year Awards with Dwight Howard. The only players in NBA history who have claimed four DPOY awards are Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace.
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