Rudy Gobert’s FIBA performance should be a thrill for Utah Jazz fans
With all the attention lately on Donovan Mitchell and Joe Ingles in international play, Utah Jazz fans shouldn’t forget that Rudy Gobert also figures to be prolific in FIBA World Cup play.
Although a lot of the attention of Utah Jazz fans lately has been fixed on Donovan Mitchell and Joe Ingles – and rightfully so due to Team USA and the Boomers squaring off in a pair of scrimmages, with Australia winning the second in historic fashion – fans would do well to not forget about the other Jazzman in competition. Of course, the man I’m referring to is Rudy Gobert.
A lot has been made about how important it is for the Jazz to see massive improvements out of Donovan Mitchell this upcoming season, and that’s absolutely accurate. That’s a big reason why watching him play for Team USA has been so intriguing for the Utah faithful. And, of course, the games being easily accessible to watch on NBA TV has helped keep that focus.
But Rudy Gobert’s continued improvements will be very much crucial for the Jazz as well. And although he hasn’t received quite the attention that Mitchell and Team USA have the last few weeks (for obvious reasons), he’s certainly been in action behind the scenes doing what Rudy does best.
For one quick example, look no further than this brief clip below from a recent scrimmage between France and Italy. The Stifle Tower continues to, well, stifle!
https://twitter.com/MarcoAMunno/status/1165585233284141058
For a bit more of a look at Rudy these past few weeks, be sure to check out these highlights below from France’s friendlies against Brazil, Montenegro and Italy. Gobert has had brilliant moments on both ends of the floor in each bout that should make Jazz Nation proud.
Rudy looks quick, athletic, and as if he’s playing with the intensity you’d expect out of a back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year that’s anxious to not only play his best for his country, but go on to compete for an NBA Championship. Considering that Team USA’s frontcourt has been considered one of its glaring weaknesses, Rudy Gobert could very well be a player that gives the red, white and blue some trouble.
Myles Turner looked great in Team USA’s first contest against Australia, but he, Mason Plumlee and Brook Lopez all struggled in the rematch as they were clearly bothered by the Aussie’s physicality. As one of the best players in the entire tournament, Rudy Gobert will definitely be looking to replicate that success and likewise bring the pain to Team USA’s centers should the two teams cross paths.
Regardless of whether that ends up occurring or not, Utah Jazz fans should be thrilled by the prospect of seeing Rudy Gobert in action. He’s looked prolific in friendly competition thus far, and he’ll no doubt reach an even higher level once the meaningful contests get underway as well. It’s been easy to focus on Mitchell and Ingles thus far, but Gobert’s performance in FIBA play could very well be the most telling of what Jazz expectations should be for the next season.
If he can really up his game to another level and showcase that in the upcoming competitions, it could be a great sign for the Jazz’s potential in the 2019-20 NBA season.
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Rudy is joined on the French team by current NBA players Nicolas Batum, Evan Fournier, Frank Ntilikina and Elie Okobo. They will get underway in official FIBA World Cup play on September 1st at 6:30 AM MT where they’ll take on Germany, which just so happens to be the same time that the USA gets underway against the Czech Republic.