Rudy Gobert is back where he belongs.
Announced by the NBA on Sunday afternoon, Gobert is listed as one of three finalists for the coveted NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Other finalists include Phoenix wing Mikal Bridges and Boston guard Marcus Smart.
Gobert is one of the three finalists for the sixth consecutive season, having won the award in three of the past four years. His nomination this year is special as he's the only center/forward listed, the first time that's happened in the past decade.
Interestingly enough, whether it be voter fatigue or some other inexcusable reason, Gobert is not expected to win — which would tie him with Dikembe Mutumbo and Ben Wallace as the only four-time winners.