Giannis Antetokounmpo or Rudy Gobert? That Is The Question!

By Ryan Aston | Feb 28, 2015

Mar 3, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) in the 4th quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight, the Utah Jazz will play host to the Milwaukee Bucks in one of the more intriguing match-ups in recent memory. Both squads have rosters boasting some of the most promising young talent in the game. More specifically, each features one of the best value picks of the 2013 NBA Draft. For the Jazz, it’s their starting center, the “Stifle Tower” Rudy Gobert. Meanwhile, coach Jason Kidd‘s club is led by the “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo.

With the two set to do battle tonight at EnergySolutions Arena, I can’t help but wonder—which was the bigger steal in that draft?

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Needless to say, the 2013 draft class was far from one of the league’s best. No. 1 overall selection Anthony Bennett‘s issues have been well documented. In fact, all of the players selected in the top ten that year are struggling to establish their identities as NBA players.

Even last year’s Rookie of the Year, the Bucks’ own Michael Carter-Williams, is arguably one of the least efficient offensive players in the league. Utah’s Trey Burke, a National Player of the Year at Michigan and the No. 9 pick in 2013, has had similar struggles, connecting on less than 38-percent of field goal attempts in his young career.

Meanwhile, in a garden sullied by Otto Porters and Shane Larkins, we have Gobert and Antetokounmpo blooming into greatness. The ultra-long, multi-talented Europeans would undoubtedly fail to escape the top five if the draft in question were to receive a do-over. Though Antetokounmpo was a mid-first round pick and Gobert fell all the way to No. 27, each has the look of a potential franchise player for their respective teams.

For his part, Antetokounmpo could end up being one of the most versatile players in the Association. It’s not often that you hear about a coach contemplating putting a six-foot-eleven player at point guard, an idea Kidd toyed with during the preseason.

His speed, handles, mobility and court vision at nearly seven feet are unique. Offensively, he’s a match-up nightmare for the opposition. Defensively, his potential to guard multiple positions and impact the game from different areas on the court is tantalizing.

On the year, the Greek Freak is averaging 12 points, nearly seven boards, 2.5 assists, one block and one steal per contest. The only thing more impressive than his stat line is the company he keeps during off days.

As for Gobert, the recent trade of Enes Kanter has allowed the Frenchman to spread his wings and boy, are they long. In Utah’s last game against the Denver Nuggets, he blocked six shots and was an intimidator in the paint all night long.

This has become the standard for the Stifle Tower since his insertion into the starting lineup. Over the course of the last five games, Gobert is putting up just under eight points, nearly 10 rebounds and swatting 4.2 blocked shots per game.

After fighting for minutes in garbage time last season, Gobert has transformed himself into one of the elite defensive players in the game.

Which brings us to the big question; if you had to take one, who’s your man?

To say Antetokounmpo’s versatility and athleticism are jaw-dropping is an understatement. Gobert has Defensive Player of the Year potential. Antetokounmpo is a fantasy basketball player’s dream. Gobert is an expert booty-ologist.

Being an editor at Purple & Blues, my choice is obviously Gobert, but it’s a lot closer than you think. Players like Antetokounmpo get basketball junkies like myself all hot and bothered. With that said, I can’t bet against our guy. Rudy’s impact on opposing offenses is simply too great to ignore.

Who would you take in this great debate? The Greek Freak with his hops, speed and guard-like handles or Gobert, the ultimate paint protector? Sound off in the comments below or hit P&B on Twitter!

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