He set an NBA draft combine record for largest wingspan at 7 feet and 8 1/2 inches. Combine that with this Frenchman’s athleticism and you have what Jazz fans call the Stifle Tower.
Not to be confused with the famous building in Paris, the Stifle Tower is the nickname for Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, who is a core part of the young revamped team. Other offensive stars like Gordon Hayward and veteran point guard George Hill are leading the team in points with over 20 per game. However, Rudy elevates the Jazz from a good team to a great team with his ability to “stifle” opponents in the interior.
As of today, Gobert is the fourth leading player in the entire National Basketball Association in blocks. With an average of 2.27 blocks per game, he has enough blocks to put Lego out of business.
The Jazz are still an offense in progress, but with The Stifle Tower protecting the paint, Jazz fans will enjoy the overlooked defensive side of the ball. Averaging 2nd best in the league in points allowed per game (93.1) the Jazz will continue to be a defensive force to be reckoned with.
Pretty soon, the Jazz announcer will introduce the team as “The Jazz from Swat Lake City” as Gobert continues to swat away shot attempts as if they were flies.