The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Could the Jazz have two All-Stars next season?

By John Keeffer

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 3: Rudy Gobert #27 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz talk during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 3, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 3: Rudy Gobert #27 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz talk during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 3, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Gobert’s All-Star Case

The case for Rudy Gobert is simple: Stay healthy.

If the reigning Defensive Player of the Year had not dealt with lower body injuries early last season, we would likely be talking about how Gobert could repeat as an All-Star. Let’s just look at the stats Gobert put up since returning from the knee injury he suffered against Boston in December.

From January 19th on, Gobert averaged 14.4 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks, and anchored a defense that had a league leading defensive rating of 97.5. No other team had a defensive rating below 101. Two seasons ago, Gobert was snubbed from the All-Star team in favor of DeAndre Jordan. That season, he averaged 13 points, 12 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game.

If Gobert can stay healthy and replicate the numbers he posted over the second half of last season, there is no reason he shouldn’t get the nod from the coaches for a spot in the All-Star game.

Last season, only three centers from the Western Conference made it to the All-Star game, and they were DeMarcus Cousins, Karl-Anthony Towns and LaMarcus Aldridge. Cousins will likely not even play until close to the New Year, which means he is out. I can also see Aldridge regressing a bit. As long as Gobert continues along his current path, he should be a first time All-Star in 2019.

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