Jazz’s Rudy Gobert *NOT* selected to 2019 All Star Game, Mitchell snubbed

This was a scheduled post with the expectation that Rudy Gobert would make the All Star game. Apologies for the last minute edits.

The NBA has spoken screw those guys. The Utah Jazz will *not* have a representative in the 2019 NBA All Star game and his name is Rudy Gobert. Gobert—who already has a Defensive Player of the Year award and been named to the All-NBA team in past seasons—will *not* get his first All Star game credit.

*Insert tweet of him making it All Star game here*

The 6-year veteran center from France is in the midst of quite possibly his best season yet. He is currently averaging 15.0 points, 12.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.2 blocks a game with an eFG% of 65%. His defense is what will *not* give him the nod for the game as he anchors the league’s 5th best defense (1st when he’s on the floor and not resting).

He will now *not* await selection by either LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo teams as they will be captains for the two All Star teams. Who will want defense on their team in a game that typically doesn’t give a damn about defense? My pick is Giannis goes big and *does not* brings an international flare to his squad.

Rudy Gobert is *not* the first Jazz player to be selected to the NBA’s All Star game since Gordon Hayward. You might have heard of him before. The last Utah Jazz center to be selected to the All Star game was Mehmet Okur.

The Utah Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell *also* did not get selected for the game, however. It appears his January surge—even though it has been incredibly special—was too little, too late. Here’s to him *and Rudy Gobert* putting another chip on his shoulder and making the squad next year.

We’re excited to finally see a Jazzman back in the All Star Game.