Jazz teammates Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert appear to be patching up their relationship, Sarah Todd of the Deseret News writes. “Right now we’re good,” Mitchell said in a Zoom conference with the media. “We’re going out there ready to hoop.” In the wake of his positive test for COVID-19 in March, Mitchell was said to be frustrated with Gobert. the first NBA player to test positive. The situation reportedly remained tense even after Mitchell recovered from the virus.
We have more from the Western Conference:
- While 25 players around the NBA have tested positive for the novel coronavirus since June 23, there have been no positive tests among Thunder players and staff members, Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman reports. All players have returned to Oklahoma City for mandatory individual workouts and the team will fly to Orlando next week.
- Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry is confident rookie star Zion Williamson will continue to make a big impact once plays resumes, he indicated in a interview with William Guillory of The Athletic. “I think he’s worked extremely hard during the time away,” Gentry said. “I think, to some degree, you’ll see everybody a little rusty when we come back because we’ve been away for so long. But he’ll get himself right, and I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t pick up right where he left off. “
- The Mavericks felt they had enough depth up front to replace Willie Cauley-Stein, which is why they signed point guard Trey Burke as a substitute player, according to Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com. Dallas also had a need in the backcourt with Jalen Brunson and Courtney Lee injured. “As we looked at the profile of the team, we felt there was more of a need at that backup (guard spot), scoring off the bench,” president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said. Cauley-Stein was one of the players who opted out of the restart.
Glad to know that Thunder are COVID free
Especially with a high-risk older player like Chris Paul.
I actually LOL’d to that, well played sir!
Still think the Jazz would be better off trading Rudy Gobert away and going younger around Donovan Mitchell. Yes Mitchell would get them a better return, yes Gobert is one of the best defenders in the game right now but the Jazz if they want to continue to get better and remain good for the next 10 season they need to plan ahead.
LeBron is getting old and won’t be as dominant if he’s playing in let’s say 5 years. Harden Curry Russ Thomson Green all those guys will be getting old also on the Rockets and GSW.
The Jazz need to go young and build with Mitchell so they don’t get overtaken and left behind by the Mavs and Nuggets who are young and improving.
I suggest Rudy Gobert to the Nets for Spencer Dinwiddie and Jarrett Allen plus extras.
For Gobert to the Blazers for Nurkic, Little, this years first and extras.
Or lastly Gobert to the Knicks for DSJ, Randle, and swapping first round picks this year.
Mitchell since entering the league has been a 20-4-4 guy who improves every season and at 23 has lead this team really well. But he needs some help and needs signs of the team being his and building some chemistry.
Dumb idea
Okay then and if they keep Gobert they stay a 5th seed in the West and as Gobert and Bobi and Ingles and everyone gets older they get worse.
Meanwhile the Pelicans Grizzlies TWolves all will improve a bunch in the next couple seasons. The Mavs and Nuggets continue to improve and will big threats in the west. Plus you have GSW coming back next year fully fit with a top draft pick and something to prove.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jazz missed the playoffs next season. They have a great coach and great young star they need to continue to build.
The first trade gives them a very solid backcourt with two potential all stars and a young defensive centre.
The second trade gives them a playmaking centre, a promising athletic SF, a first round pick and extras.
Then the last trade gives them Randle a decent scorer, DSJ someone who might re find his form with help from Mitchell and a top top pick in the draft like James Wiseman