Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert isn't letting the vast changes in the offseason linger and is moving forward in this post-Gordon Hayward era. The shot-blocking big man talked to Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype, assuring he is “over” the departure of his former teammate and focused on what's ahead for this team.
“I’m over that already,” said Gobert. “It is what is. I’m focused on our team.”
“Our identity hasn’t changed; our goal hasn’t changed. We’ve had a few changes; Gordon [Hayward] left. George [Hill] left. We have some new point guards, new wings and new rookies so it’s going to be a different group, but the identity will stay the same. The identity doesn’t change. We’re going to continue to be one of the best teams defensively.”
The Jazz have re-tooled with the three-and-D archetype in mind, re-signing capable Aussie international Joe Ingles and making Rodney Hood the focal point of the offense, hoping he can develop into the team's leading scorer.
Hood had a great start to the season, but was slowed due to injuries, and is now hopeful to make that long stride the front office has hoped he can make come October. Yet some fans have been angered by the bad timing of Hayward's departure and a relatively quiet offseason, failing to acquire quality free agents during the past month-and-a-half.
Gobert had a message for those who have been angered by this offseason's events.
“I would tell them to stop arguing with the less-intelligent people on social media and just wait for this season to start. Just wait.”
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