Injuries are part of an athlete's life and for the NBA, it can create opportunities for other players. Rudy Gobert took the interim starting center spot for the Jazz but it seems like he's a keeper. The NBA rising star is starting to get noticed.

In a recent upset win over the mighty Chicago Bulls, Deseret News quoted the Jazz star player: "Tonight," Jazz small forward and main gunner Gordon Hayward said, "Rudy was a monster for us out there."

Desret continues: "As is becoming more common, the 7-foot-1 center, with a now-famous 7-foot-9 wingspan, made his mark on this upset win. The second-year big man blocked five shots and affected multiple others, including forcing Derrick Rose into an airball. Gobert also hauled in 14 rebounds and scored 11 points in the United Center shocker."

Now the talk is that the Frenchman might start at center permanently. He is currently filling in the spot left by Enes Kanter who is injured. Gobert would want to take that step: "Of course, I want more. It's obvious I want to start. I'm just trying to get better on the court and help my team."

Gobert's performances were noted by ESPN: "Over the last four games, the Utah Jazz have played against Atlanta, Minnesota, Indiana and Chicago. Gobert has done really well in that tine averaging 30 minutes, 11.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.5 blocks. 

Kanter is expected to miss Friday's game against Oklahoma City, which will give Gobert another chance to show he deserves to stick with the first unit."

The sophomore center may have to wait a while to get permanent starter status but he has a decent chance: "Kanter will probably get the spot back when he returns, however Gobert is coming and Kanter better bring steady production to the floor. For this season, the duo of Kanter and Derrick Favors have not been strong on defense, however Gobert and Favors only allow 94.8 points per 100 possessions when they ar paired together."

These days when a 'rim protector' is a premium, Gobert's length is definitely an asset.