Rudy Gobert vs. Ben Wallace Career Comparison

Rudy Gobert seems to be one of the most polarizing players in the NBA right now, with some who are in awe of his defensive prowess while others seem to disrespect him. Legendary center Shaquille O’Neal called Gobert the worst player in NBA history and he never seemed to put him on the level of other multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year winners including Ben Wallace, Dikembe Mutombo, and Hakeem Olajuwon. Rudy Gobert is one of three NBA players to win four Defensive Player of the Year awards, and to see how his resume stacks up to some all-time greats, we will provide a career comparison between him and legendary center Ben Wallace.

Career Stats

Rudy Gobert: 12.7 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.1 BPG

Ben Wallace: 5.7 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.0 BPG

Rudy Gobert has established himself as one of the NBA's most efficient big men, with career averages of 12.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. Known for his pick-and-roll finishing, Gobert scores efficiently around the basket with a career field goal percentage above 65%. His rebounding numbers have been a key part of his defensive impact, as he regularly ranks among the league leaders in both defensive and offensive boards. Gobert's shot-blocking ability is elite; his 2.1 blocks per game not only intimidate opponents but also disrupt offensive schemes, forcing teams to reconsider their approach in the paint.

Ben Wallace, on the other hand, was never known for his scoring, but he made his mark with relentless energy and defense. Wallace averaged 5.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game over his career. While his scoring numbers are modest, his defensive stats are impressive, particularly his ability to read passing lanes and accumulate steals, a rarity for a big man. Wallace’s ferocity on the glass, coupled with his knack for blocking shots, made him a cornerstone of one of the NBA’s best defensive teams—the Detroit Pistons of the early 2000s.

Winner: Rudy Gobert

NBA Championships

Rudy Gobert: 0

Ben Wallace: 1 (2004)

Rudy Gobert has yet to secure an NBA Championship or even make an NBA Finals, despite several playoff runs with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves. While his teams have often been among the top defensive squads in the league, they have struggled to translate that regular-season success into deep playoff runs. Gobert's rim protection and rebounding have been crucial in these stretches, but questions have been raised about his effectiveness against smaller, more versatile lineups in postseason play. Hopefully, the Frenchman can make a Finals appearance with the Timberwolves one day. 

Ben Wallace played a pivotal role in the Detroit Pistons' 2004 NBA Championship, a victory characterized by suffocating defense and a team-first mentality. Wallace was the anchor of a Pistons defense that stifled opponents, including the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers in the 2004 NBA Finals. His ability to guard multiple positions and protect the rim made him invaluable in that championship run, solidifying his legacy as one of the game's great defensive anchors.

Winner: Ben Wallace

Defensive Player Of The Year Awards

Rudy Gobert: 4 (2018, 2019, 2021, 2024)

Ben Wallace: 4 (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006)

Rudy Gobert has won the Defensive Player of the Year award four times (2018, 2019, 2021, 2024), showcasing his consistency and dominance as a defender over the past decade. Gobert’s ability to alter shots, dominate the paint, and anchor a defense has made him a staple in the conversation for the league's top defensive player. His impact goes beyond blocks and rebounds; his presence alone often forces teams to abandon interior scoring and settle for outside shots.

Ben Wallace also won the Defensive Player of the Year award four times (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006), and his accolades come from an era where physical defense was the standard. Wallace's versatility allowed him to guard all five positions effectively, and his defensive IQ was second to none. His ability to guard some of the best big men in the league, while also being able to switch onto perimeter players, set him apart as a truly unique defender.

Winner: Even

Blocks Leader

Rudy Gobert: 1 (2017)

Ben Wallace: 1 (2002)

Rudy Gobert led the league in blocks during the 2016-17 season, averaging 2.6 blocks per game. His shot-blocking prowess is a fundamental part of his defensive skill set, and it has made him a perennial contender for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Gobert’s length, timing, and anticipation make him one of the most feared rim protectors in the NBA. His presence in the paint can deter even the best scorers from attacking the basket.

Ben Wallace led the NBA in blocks once, in the 2001-02 season, with an average of 3.5 per game. Known for his explosive leaping ability and timing, Wallace could block shots from a variety of positions on the floor. His defensive efforts often sparked the Pistons' transition offense and set the tone for his team's defensive intensity. Wallace’s blocking ability, coupled with his strong rebounding, made him a dominant force in the paint.

Winner: Even

Rebounds Leader

Rudy Gobert: 1 (2022)

Ben Wallace: 2 (2002, 2003)

Rudy Gobert led the NBA in rebounding in the 2021-22 season, averaging 14.7 rebounds per game. His exceptional size and wingspan, combined with his positioning and timing, have made him a dominant force on the boards. Gobert's ability to control the glass on both ends of the floor provides his teams with second-chance opportunities while limiting the same for opponents. His rebounding has been a critical part of his team's defense and offense.

Ben Wallace led the league in rebounding twice, during the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons. With an average of 13.0 rebounds and 15.4 rebounds per game respectively, Wallace’s relentless pursuit of the ball defined his playing style. His tenacity and physicality allowed him to out-rebound taller and stronger players consistently. Wallace’s rebounding was a key factor in the Pistons' defensive dominance, as he could clean up the boards and limit opponents to one shot per possession.

Winner: Ben Wallace

All-NBA Team Selections

Rudy Gobert: 4 (1 Second Team, 3 Third Team)

Ben Wallace: 5 (3 Second Team, 2 Third Team)

Rudy Gobert has been selected to the All-NBA Team four times (one Second Team, three Third Team). These selections reflect his impact on the game as one of the best centers in the league. Gobert’s consistent defensive presence and his improving offensive game have earned him respect from coaches and media alike, allowing him to be named among the NBA's elite players multiple times.

Ben Wallace was selected to the All-NBA Team five times (three Second Team, two Third Team), a testament to his ability to dominate games defensively without being a scoring threat. His selections came in an era filled with Hall of Fame big men, further emphasizing his defensive prowess and his ability to impact games without scoring. Wallace's impact was felt across the league as one of the best players during his prime.

Winner: Ben Wallace

All-Defensive Team Selections

Rudy Gobert: 7 (7 First Team)

Ben Wallace: 6 (5 First Team, 1 Second Team)

Rudy Gobert has been named to the All-Defensive First Team seven times. These selections underscore his consistency as an elite defender. His ability to control the paint, alter shots, and anchor a defense has made him a staple on these teams throughout his career. Gobert's rim protection and defensive awareness are key reasons his teams consistently rank among the best defenses in the NBA.

Ben Wallace was named to the All-Defensive Team six times (five First Team, one Second Team). His selections highlight his reputation as a defensive cornerstone. Wallace’s versatility, allowing him to guard multiple positions, and his elite rebounding and shot-blocking skills made him an automatic selection for these teams during his prime. His defensive impact was a major reason the Pistons were a perennial playoff team and a championship contender.

Winner: Rudy Gobert

All-Star Selections

Rudy Gobert: 3

Ben Wallace: 4

Rudy Gobert has been named an NBA All-Star three times. His selections represent the recognition of his overall impact on the game, particularly his defensive prowess. As a key component of his teams' defensive schemes, Gobert’s All-Star appearances highlight his importance beyond just scoring and traditional stats.

Ben Wallace made the All-Star team four times, a significant achievement for a player who was not known for his scoring. His All-Star selections were a testament to his defensive capabilities and his ability to affect games with his rebounding, shot-blocking, and leadership. Wallace's presence in the All-Star Game underscored the league's appreciation of his unique skill set.

Winner: Ben Wallace

Total Win Shares

Rudy Gobert: 106.0

Ben Wallace: 93.5

Rudy Gobert has accumulated 106.0 total win shares so far in his career. This metric reflects his significant contributions to his team's success, particularly on the defensive end, where he has consistently been among the league leaders. His efficiency and ability to alter games defensively and offensively in the pick-and-roll make him an invaluable asset.

Ben Wallace recorded 93.5 total win shares over his career, which is impressive for a player not known for his offensive production. His win shares largely come from his defensive dominance and his rebounding ability, which helped his teams win crucial possessions. Wallace’s impact was more about intangibles, leadership, and hustle, rather than raw numbers.

Winner: Rudy Gobert

PER (Player Efficiency Rating)

Rudy Gobert: 21.5

Ben Wallace: 15.5

Rudy Gobert has a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 21.5, which is an indication of his strong two-way game. His efficiency on offense, combined with his defensive prowess, has made him one of the most impactful centers in the NBA. Gobert's ability to finish around the rim and protect the basket on defense contributes to his high PER, highlighting his overall effectiveness.

Ben Wallace posted a PER of 15.5, which is more reflective of his specialized role as a defensive anchor rather than a versatile offensive player. Wallace's PER might be lower compared to Gobert’s, but it is still respectable for a player who focused primarily on defense, rebounding, and hustle plays. Wallace's contributions cannot be entirely measured by traditional stats but rather by his ability to transform a team’s defensive identity.

Winner: Rudy Gobert

Final Score

Rudy Gobert vs. Ben Wallace 4-4

Who Has Had The Greatest NBA Career Between Rudy Gobert And Ben Wallace?

Based on the most important parts of a player's resume, the comparison yields an even outcome. Rudy Gobert has built a strong resume as a modern defensive powerhouse, with four Defensive Player of the Year awards and a reputation for being one of the most dominant rim protectors of his era. His statistical achievements, such as higher career averages in points, rebounds, and Player Efficiency Rating (PER), along with his superior total win shares, demonstrate his effectiveness on both ends of the floor. However, his lack of playoff success and struggles against smaller, more versatile lineups have raised questions about his ultimate impact in high-stakes situations.

Ben Wallace, on the other hand, left an indelible mark on the game through his toughness, particularly during his time with the Detroit Pistons. Wallace's four Defensive Player of the Year awards and his role in the Pistons' 2004 NBA Championship define his legacy as one of the best defensive anchors in NBA history. While Gobert has the edge in individual statistics, Wallace’s contributions to team success and his iconic role in the Pistons' championship run give him prestige among most in the NBA community. 

Still, we have learned that we cannot discount what Gobert has done over his career because even if he played in a far less aggressive era than Wallace did, he managed to influence the game defensively and his resume matches closely with some of the all-time great defensive players. Shaquille O'Neal looks at dominance when rating centers but his analysis of Gobert has to be considered harsh considering the Frenchman is likely headed to the Hall of Fame one day.