After making great strides under head coach Quin Snyder, the Utah Jazz unfortunately lost Gordon Hayward and George Hill in free agency. While the Jazz signed numerous players to fill Hayward's void, they traded the 2018 Oklahoma City Thunder top-14 protected first round draft pick for Ricky Rubio.

With numerous changes to the roster, it appears the Jazz will be building their franchise around Rudy Gobert. Originally a late first round draft pick in 2013, Gobert has steadily established himself as one of the league's best defenders. According to Gobert, Rubio has also ‘never played with a guy who can finish like me' on Sirius XM NBA:

Article Continues Below
More Utah Jazz News
Ace Bailey looks on after being selected as the fifth pick by the Utah in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Jazz rumors: Ace Bailey’s Utah arrival confirmed after draftZachary Howell ·
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Dylan Harper (2) and Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Jersey Mike's Arena.
Dylan Harper shares another side of Ace Bailey that should excite Jazz fansZachary Howell ·
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) looks to pass during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Jersey Mike's Arena.
Jazz rumors: Ace Bailey trade speculation gets shot down by Shams CharaniaJulian Ojeda ·
Ace Bailey looks on after being selected as the fifth pick by the Utah in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Ace Bailey’s agent clears the air on recent Jazz rumorsJulian Ojeda ·
Ace Bailey-Jazz situation receives eye-opening update from Brian Windhorst
Ace Bailey-Jazz situation receives eye-opening update from Brian WindhorstJulian Ojeda ·
Jan 28, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; St. John's Red Storm guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) is introduced before a game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Jazz bring former St. John’s star to town on two-way dealJaren Kawada ·

While Gobert is one of the rising young stars in the league, Rubio did play his final two seasons with Karl-Anthony Towns. As a result, Rubio's comment will likely come off as a shot toward the two-year center who averaged 25.1 points and 12.3 rebounds this past season.

Heading into the 2017-18 NBA season, there are question marks regarding the Jazz. With Hayward signing with the Boston Celtics, the hope is Rodney Hood can establish himself as the team's primary scorer. As is the case with any young player, Hood will need to be consistent as he is set for restricted free agency next year.