Yesterday, I wrote a blog about how the Jazz should trade Rudy Gobert. Then I just talked about it on the latest episode of That’s Some Cheese. It’s funny how things work out. Now reports have surfaced that Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell didn’t get along even before the NBA halted playing. Apparently, Gobert did not like Mitchell’s ball dominance in the Utah offense.
“According to several Jazz sources, the fact that Mitchell as the ball in his hands the most has been the primary irritant in what is an overall successful partnership between he and Gobert.”
Tim MacMahon of ESPN originally posted the lengthy article detailing the problems going on in Utah with the two stars. It’s definitely an article you want to take your time and read because it’s a good one. At this point, there is no denying that problems exist between Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.
Let me take a minute to *slightly* defend Gobert. I think he does have a point. I think Mitchell has a little Westbrook in his DNA which isn’t a good thing. Mitchell has a 30.5 percent usage rate which ranks 12th out of players who have played in more than 20 games. I do think there are times that Mitchell goes into a shell and could pass more. Out of the 12 players ahead of Mitchell in usage rate, only Joel Embiid and Zach LaVine have a lower assist rate.
On the flip side, a center should not be the one complaining here. It’s not like a great scenario exists where Gobert is dribbling the ball up the court. Catch lobs and play great defense. That’s his role in the Jazz ecosystem and that’s exactly what it should be.
It’s funny how things work out. If given the choice, Gobert is the odd man out. Hey, I’ll add more fuel to the fire. It’s time to trade Rudy Gobert.
