The Utah Jazz was knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by a Dallas Mavericks team that didn’t even have Luka Doncic available for the first 3 games of the series. Playing a team without a superstar, the Jazz lost 2 games, including one at home. There were a lot of questions being asked about this team before the playoffs and their poor performance has only amplified those questions.
The Jazz core has been together for quite a few seasons now and despite success in the regular season and a lot of promise, they have failed to deliver when it matters most. As such, there have been reports of discontent between their main stars, Rusy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, and the latest report from Sean O’Connell suggests that Gobert is ready to move on from his co-star.
Rudy feels that his own numbers are consistent or getting better, while Don is D liability and is falling off in terms of explosiveness. Gobert also aware of at least 1 Western Conference power that would be willing to pay handsomely for his abilities. (NBA teams never tamper..)
— Sean O'Connell (@realOCsports) May 2, 2022
“I know I am not usually Utah Jazz breaking news guy, but a source close to situation has informed me that Rudy Gobert is at “him or me” point with Donovan Mitchell and will demand that one of them be traded in next few days. Doesn’t feel they will win championship together.
“Rudy feels that his own numbers are consistent or getting better, while Don is D liability and is falling off in terms of explosiveness. Gobert also aware of at least 1 Western Conference power that would be willing to pay handsomely for his abilities. (NBA teams never tamper..)”
Mitchell’s perimeter defense has been questioned time and again in recent times, and it has been a factor in the Jazz’s struggles. While this report in itself is inconclusive, it would seem likely that the Jazz has to move on from one of their stars this offseason. Considering that Mitchell is a younger and more promising offensive talent, there have been rumors that he’s the one the franchise will choose to move forward with. One way or another, only time will tell what decision the front office makes.
