Today’s the day the Utah Jazz (should) get their All-Stars

Today is the day.

The day we’ve all been waiting for.

The 2020 All-Star reserves will be announced this evening at 5:00 PM MST on TNT. We’ve been discussing this for weeks, whether or not the Jazz should/will get two All-Stars. With some incredible play lately from Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, coupled with the Jazz lingering around the 2nd best record in the West, it’s hard to think that both of them won’t get the nod. But after what happened last year, you never know.

So, does it really matter? Is it really that big of a deal if they make it, or dont’? Before the game in San Antonio yesterday, Rudy and Donovan both answered questions regarding the All-Star selections, and what it would mean to them to get the nod.

Donovan admitted his desire to become an All-Star. Rudy still seems a little reserved about the situation, claiming he’s not that nervous about it. Despite Rudy not feeling nervous, you have to believe it matters a lot to him given his reaction to being snubbed last year.

Other NBA stars and coaches across the league voiced their opinions on the All-Star selections in a piece published on NBA.com.

Suns G Devin Booker:

“It’s not even East versus West really,” Booker said. “So, we’ll see. It’s not my decision to determine anybody’s legacy. And I don’t think it determines anybody’s legacy because of the format now.”

Suns Coach Monty Williams:

“You want to be known as one of the best players, and when you put up those kinds of numbers and help your team win games, I think that should be recognized. All the factors should be put into the equation. So, I think it is important.”

Spurs G DeMar DeRozan

“I think it’s important. Anybody coming into the league, you want to be an All-Star. Obviously, after being there X amount of times, you get a different feel for it. But I think it’s important, you know what I mean? You want to check off everything down the list once you come into the league. I remember when I first was a part of the USA team. I felt like I had to be a part of this because not everybody gets this opportunity, and this goes on your resume forever.

Mavericks F Kristaps Porzingis

At the end of your career, everybody looks at what you’ve accomplished, not only as a team, but also individually.

Spurs F LaMarcus Aldridge

“I think it’s important to make the team for players who feel like they’re playing at that level,” Aldridge said. “You put the work in, and you feel like you’re a top 10 or 15 guy in the league or in your conference. So, I think it’s definitely important for guys to make it. Some guys actually have bonuses tied to it in their contracts. I don’t have those types of things. Some guys have shoe contract stuff tied to that. But I think more than that, it makes the respect be known around the league among your peers that you are playing at that high of a level.”

76ers F Al Horford

“No, no, no, it matters, no question,” Horford told NBA.com. “Obviously, I can speak only for myself, but I always play to win, and for my teams to do well. But you definitely want to be recognized. You want to be acknowledged. You want to be in those positions and have that experience, no question about it.”

If any player around the league says that All-Stars don’t matter, their either lying or they’ve been there too many times to retain any interest. All-Stars matter. There’s a reason that when describing someone’s legacy they say “X-time All-Star”. Whether it’s right or not, it matters. It’s going to be fun to see the Jazz get another All-Star, and given a catastrophic error on the coaches part, we will see at least one get named tonight on TNT.