Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
SALT LAKE CITY — Rudy Gobert has the chance to repeat as the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year.
The Utah Jazz center was named a finalist for the annual award Friday, one year after taking home the Defensive Player of the Year trophy. The other finalists include Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Oklahoma City’s Paul George.
The 7-foot Gobert ranked second in the league in total blocks (187) this season and second in defensive win shares (5.7). Behind Gobert, the Jazz were the second-best defense in the NBA during the regular season, behind the Bucks.