The Jazz are hopeful that time will heal the fractured relationship between Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports. This could be the biggest challenge for Jazz coach Quin Snyder and the front office in recent years, Jones continues, with Gobert having one year remaining on his contract and Mitchell potentially headed to restricted free agency after next season. Mitchell has been frustrated with Gobert for his careless actions prior to both testing positive for the coronavirus, Jones confirms.
We have more from the Northwest Division:
- Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor remains optimistic the league can resume the season, Sid Hartman of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. “I’m really hopeful. I think we’re going to do it, if it’s at all possible,” Taylor said. “This is a health issue that we have no control over, but I think for our players and our fans, I would like to see us take a break and hopefully we can get back in 30 days and finish the season. I think the playoffs, they’re just so much fun and so important to our fans and our players.”
- Timberwolves vice president of basketball performance and technology, Robby Sikka, was well ahead of the curve in terms of preparing the team for the coronavirus, as Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic details. Sikka warned players to wash their hands and to avoid close contact with ill people as far back as late January. Sikka was hired by president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas last summer to prioritize player health and wellness. He’s been integral in drawing up plans to help the organization get through the pandemic, including daily checks on the players.
- The Nuggets need to acquire another impact player to become true contenders, Joel Rush of Forbes.com argues. They’d have to be willing to move Will Barton, Gary Harris or any bench player outside of Michael Porter Jr. this offseason to accomplish that goal, Rush adds.
If you ask me Mitchell just needs to get over it and this whole thing needs to be a non-story… Like yeah we all get it Gobert was kind of being an a-hole about the whole coronavirus thing and mocking it, etc. But it is what it is — and for Mitchell to hold a grudge that could actually impact the team’s performance/future just seems really immature and silly. No one (on the team) has died from the virus so other than getting sick for a bit there really isn’t a lasting impact or anything beyond being sick for a week or two. So Mitchell needs to suck it up and move on. Gobert obviously learned his lesson – and has paid the price. Actually getting sick, and by way of public humiliation. He’s made his apologies and admitted he was wrong — now it needs to be over and Mitchell needs to let it go or grow up if he still hasn’t let it go at this point.
Couldn’t agree anymore, can’t see Mitchell has any right to be upset, yes maybe on the day, but then you move on, if you can’t, Utah should get rid of him because he will never get on with other good players & will make the team worst. Immaturity is a much worse sin than whatever Rudy did.
If his (Mitchell) condition was life threatening like others, I think the narrative of “get over it” wouldn’t exist. He’s fortunate it isn’t worse.
Lol, at Mitchell being immature when Gobert was cracking jokes about a pandemic. Mitchell is definitely in the right here. Gobert a dork
You can be mad angry and hate someone but that shouldnt get in the way of the team or interfere with winning. Team comes first. Personal feelings second.
Laettner and Hurley hated each other. Still found ways to win.
Kobe and Shaq hated each other still won titles.
Mitchell can be mad as he wants but Gobert gives them the best chance to win and he needs to accept that if he wants to win a championship.
You can hate a person and still work with them believe me