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If you haven’t been online at all today, you might have missed the All Star reserves announcement. The one in which Rudy Gobert was not a part of. Rudy Gobert—in the midst of his best year as a Jazzman—was suspiciously auspiciously left off the All Star roster. This was a shock because most—if not all—media members had him pegged as an easy pick for the game.
But evidently coaches around the league didn’t think so. Predictably, Jazz twitter went berserk, but so did the Jazz coaching staff and front office. I mean ... just look at this quote from Quin Snyder via Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com:
“Rudy Gobert should absolutely be an All-Star. He’s one of the most impactful players in the league. This is clear, not subjective, and shows the All-Star system is flawed. We talk about defense being valued, but when we have an opportunity to reward it, we reward scoring again and again. Rudy is the defensive player in the league and an offensive force when you consider his screening, his finishing and the spacing he creates with his presence.”
Meanwhile Dennis Lindsey hasn’t gone on the record yet, but Becky Lindsey his wife gave this observation from her living room:
Very quiet night at the Lindsey house...don’t think I’ve ever seen Dennis so incredibly mad!! #rudywasrobbed @utahjazz @rudygobert27
— Becky Lindsey (@Bec6916) February 1, 2019
It appears that Dennis Lindsey has reached “Gordon Hayward chose Boston” levels of frustration. Meanwhile, Utah Jazz President Steve Starks is calling on the league to make it more transparent. Let us know who voted for whom and why.
Rudy deserved to be named an All-Star. Complete non-sense and we need more integrity and accountability. If the coaches vote than their ballots should be made public.
— Steve Starks (@StevenStarks) February 1, 2019
On a sidenote Becky Lindsey looks like she wants Dennis to vent to someone else.
They should be an all star for the RIGHT reasons!! And he was robbed!! Thanks for stepping up Steve!! (Can I send Dennis to your house now). Lol @utahjazz
— Becky Lindsey (@Bec6916) February 1, 2019
The other Jazz player up for a possible All-Star selection was Donovan Mitchell. He had this to say about the big fella’s snub.
Together we will prevail big fella #robbed #uhoh pic.twitter.com/fCWdvNe9Z4
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) February 1, 2019
He mad.
National Media caught off guard
It wasn’t just Jazz players and staff who were pissed. Look beyond and most national media types were left scratching their heads.
Rudy Gobert is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and leads the NBA in win shares (8.9) and FG% while averaging 15 points and 12.8 rebounds. The Jazz have the best record in the league among teams with no All-Stars. https://t.co/FKGIQorF5R
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 1, 2019
The Jazz fully expected Rudy Gobert to receive his first All-Star selection. This will not go over well in Utah.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 1, 2019
Pretty shocked with no Rudy Gobert on the All-Star team. Think that’s the No. 1 All-Star snub.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) February 1, 2019
Rudy Gobert is #1 in the NBA in real plus minus defense
— David Locke (@Lockedonsports) February 1, 2019
#86 offensively
Karl Anthony Towns #27 offensively
#89 defensively
LaMarus Aldridge #105 offensively
#215 defenisve#joke
The biggest snub is Rudy Gobert
— Josh Eberley (@JoshEberley) February 1, 2019
Utah’s Rudy Gobert should be on the NBA All-Star team. If you consider defense as important, he is a superstar that demands inclusion. pic.twitter.com/XTgViqwtfX
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) February 1, 2019
Choosing LaMarcus Aldridge over Rudy Gobert is HILARIOUS
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) February 1, 2019
Pretty sure I could make a strong case for Rudy Gobert over Aldridge and probably Towns for All-Star, but coaches tend to reward previous appearances.
— Jon Hamm (@JonMHamm) February 1, 2019
Rudy Gobert not making the All-Star Game is preposterous.
— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) February 1, 2019
Make Gobert Oladipo's injury replacement.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) February 1, 2019
LaMarcus Aldridge AND Klay over Gobert? pic.twitter.com/ZhWlCDHtlX
— J.E. Skeets (@jeskeets) February 1, 2019
It wasn’t just us in Jazzland losing our minds. It was EVERYONE. This whole thing is a bunch of insanity. NBA screwed up and screwed up bad.