Rudy Gobert

Even from 25-feet away from the rim, Rudy Gobert’s reputation as an impenetrable defender in post-up situations remains set in stone. Long considered a walking “Do Not Enter” sign when it comes to challenging him around the rim, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year hustles his way into a unique highlight, hunting down an ill-advised entry pass along the top of the key for a perfectly-timed skill. Turning on the speed boost with a chance at a one-man fastbreak, the Minnesota Timberwolves big glides through the air, faking flight for a two-handed flush just before the Houston Rockets’ defensive reinforcements arrive. In anchoring the NBA’s No. 1-ranked defense in the convincing win on February 4, 2024, Gobert was business as usual, connecting on a double-double with 17 points, 13 rebounds, one steal, and four rejections.