Gobert Would Welcome Chance To Face Snyder, Mitchell In All-Star Game

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Though the Utah Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell know they’ll be suiting at this Sunday’s All-Star game, they don’t yet know which coach they’ll play for.

Jazz coach Quin Snyder will be paired with LeBron James in the West, while Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers will oversee the Eastern Conference squad with captain Kevin Durant.

On Thursday, James and Durant will host a draft of the 23-man pool to fill out their rosters. James will pick 11 players to finalize his team, while Durant will have to select 12 players to fill out his roster as he is set to miss the game with a strained hamstring.

It's official, Quin Snyder will be the coach of the Western Conference #NBAAllStar team in March.

Check out what the @utahjazz coach had to say about the honor here. #TakeNote https://t.co/VAdJBZe5eB

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 18, 2021

Last year, Gobert and Mitchell were drafted by Giannis Antetokounmpo and played under Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer. Now, with Snyder earning the opportunity to lead an All-Star team, Gobert said he’d welcome the opportunity to go against his everyday coach and Jazz teammate.

“Regardless if me and Donovan are going to be on the same team, or different teams, or against Quin, I think it’s going to be fun,” Gobert said. “It’s about trying to enjoy the moment. I mean, it would be fun to be on Quin’s team, but it would also be really fun to be against him.”

Gobert had the surprise performance at the 2020 All-Star game scoring 21 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while Mitchell scored five points, snared five rebounds, and handed out four assists.

Despite his breakout performance, Gobert downplayed his individual stats.

“I wouldn’t say that scoring in the All-Star games is a huge accomplishment,” Gobert said. “Tt’s just fun to be to be on the court and to be a part of this.”

Rudy Gobert on potentially playing against a Quin Snyder team.

"It would be fun to be on Quin's team, but it would also be really fun to be against him. Regardless, I think we're going to talk hopefully a little trash, try to get Quin to get a technical or something."

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) March 1, 2021

Though Gobert may not be concerned with how he performs at Sunday’s event, he does have one goal for the game if he ends up going head to head against Snyder.

“We’re going to talk hopefully a little trash if I’m trying to get Quin to get a technical or something if I’m on the other team,” Gobert said “Regardless of that, it’s going to be a good time.”

In addition to the All-Star game, Mitchell will be competing in the Three-Point Shoot-Out in Atlanta. The Shoot-Out, Dunk Contest, Skills Challenge, and the All-Star game will all be held on Sunday night.