It seems like the Utah Jazz are on a crash course towards an ugly offseason. One that will likely see either one of Donovan Mitchell or Rudy Gobert depart from the team.
Gobert has seemingly denied recent rumors that he is at a “him-or-me” tipping point with Mitchell, but the writing is on the wall. After yet another postseason burnout, the team simply shouldn’t run it back with both. And if they have to choose between their duo of All-Stars, they should stick with Rudy Gobert.
Why Utah Jazz should keep Rudy Gobert over Donovan Mitchell
Replacing either is not going to be an easy task. Both are top-10 players at their respective positions and shouldn’t be leaving their primes anytime soon. Mitchell is four years younger, however.
The inside-only center is a dying breed in today’s NBA, but if a player is good enough at filling that role, they can completely change a team. Nobody is better at that than Gobert.
If not for the foolish and made-up “voter fatigue” that gave Marcus Smart the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year Award, Gobert would have won that trophy for the fourth time (he should have). He’s not just one of the best defenders in the league, he is the best defender in the league.
Rudy Gobert is one of the greatest defensive players in sports history.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) April 16, 2022
His offensive shortcomings are overblown as well. He consistently leads the league in screen assists and averaged 15.6 points last season despite the fact that his pick-and-roll partner rarely passed to him.
Yes, Donovan Mitchell is a talented shot-creator and shot-maker. But it’s easier to find someone else to fill that role than it would be to fill Gobert’s. Not to mention, Mitchell was absolutely exposed on defense during the 2022 playoffs. Mitchell’s offense doesn’t make up for his lack of defense.
Both are quality players who can be the top player on a championship-contending team. They just won’t be together while they do it. If the Utah Jazz hit the rebuild button during the 2022 offseason, it should be Mitchell, not Gobert, who sees the door.