The relationship between Utah Jazz All-Stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell has been in question ever since Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 and the NBA suspended the 2019-20 season in March.
Per multiple reports, Gobert was careless in the Jazz locker room and was touching players' belongings. His biggest blunder, of course, was when he jokingly touched Utah reporters' mics after a press conference.
Mitchell was upset at Gobert since he tested positive for COVID-19 as well. However, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic, the Jazz's two best players are “on good terms” now:
Question: Do we need to be worried about team chemistry? Are Rudy and Donovan on good terms? – Caleb C.
Jones: The two are on good terms and the team is ready to play. I don’t expect any chemistry issues.
The Jazz will be among the 22 teams playing at Walt Disney World in sunny Orlando, Florida. Utah had a record of 41-23 before the 2019-20 season was suspended.
Once the 2020 playoffs start, the Jazz will ultimately go as far as Mitchell and Gobert can take them. Mitchell is averaging 24.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists on the season, while Gobert is putting up 15.1 points, 13.7 boards and 2.0 blocks. He's the reigning two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
The Jazz are fully expected to sign Mitchell to a rookie-scale extension in the offseason. Gobert's name may come up in trade talks moving forward, but it appears he and Mitchell at least are ready to have a professional relationship when the Jazz are playing.
Follow Us
Subscribe