Utah Jazz pay tribute to departing star
After months of speculation, the Utah Jazz finally traded All-Star center Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a hefty return of players, headlined by Malik Beasley, Walker Kessler and Patrick Beverley, along with a bunch of first round draft picks. That trade marks the end of a nine-year run for the Frenchman in Salt Lake City, a run that saw him represent the Jazz at three All Star games, along with four All-NBA selections, but highlighted mostly by taking home three NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2018-2021.
Unfortunately for Gobert, his pairing with Donovan Mitchell never bore fruit in the playoffs, as this team never made it out of the second round, and that meant that one of the All-Star pairing had to go this off-season. As it turns out, Utah favoured the scoring and superstar potential of Spida, and they made the tough decision to send the 7’2″ defensive presence packing to Minnesota.
Days since the trade to the ‘Wolves, the Utah Jazz social media, along with quotes from Jazz owner, Ryan Smith, have begun paying tribute to the defensive monster. During his time in Utah, Gobert clearly touched the hearts of fans and the community in Salt Lake City, and even if the team can find another center to provide them more of an offensive fit on this team, it’s become clear that he’ll be sorely missed by all.
With Mitchell now the clear face of the Jazz franchise and a new head coach in town, this team has a bright future and plenty of potential for the next era in Jazz franchise history, but these tributes show just how fondly remembered Rudy Gobert will in the hearts of Utah Jazz fans and the front office.
