NBA commentators are pointing out that former Jazz player Rudy Gobert is succeeding during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ postseason run. It’s interesting to note that former NBA player Channing Frye noted that Gobert’s support network in Minnesota is superior than that of his colleagues in Utah. On The Road Trippin’ Podcast with Richard Jefferson and Allie Clifton, Frye discussed his ideas.
“When he [Rudy Gobert] was in Utah, and he made mistakes, everyone just walked away,” remarked Frye. “Come on man, get your head up. Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley Jr. go to him when he makes mistakes [at Minnesota]. He can therefore maintain his motivation on both sides of the floor because of that synergy.”
This is nothing new to Jazz fans; nevertheless, in his final two years in Salt Lake City, it became abundantly clear. Mainly because of his falling out with Donovan Mitchell, Utah is currently rebuilding.
Success has come to both players after they parted ways with the Jazz. Mitchell has been selected to the All-Star squad in each of his two seasons in Cleveland, while Gobert is about to win his fourth Defensive Player of the Year title. The question that arises from Gobert and Mitchell’s success with their new teams is: If Utah had persevered, would they have had a chance to win the championship?
Making those two big transactions in the summer of 2022 was the right choice, even after two difficult years of rebuilding. Remember that Utah, with Gobert, Mitchell, Conley, and Bogan Bogdanovic on the roster, failed to get past the first round. Cutting bait was the proper decision at the time because the Jazz lacked the cap room and top draft picks necessary to make improvements to the squad.If further evidence is needed, consider what’s occurring in the West. Teams with plenty of talent, such as the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns, are unable to advance past the first round. Yes, it would have been exciting to give it a shot, but even for a Jazz team that didn’t make it to the second round,
That being said, with the Timberwolves’ ongoing national attention, Jazz supporters should anticipate seeing more of Gobert. More discussion about what may have been in Salt Lake City should result from the increased focus. The Denver Nuggets, the reigning champions, are Gobert’s next opponent. On May 4th, the series will premiere.