Gobert Hopes For Warm Welcome From Jazz Fans
Dec 9, 2022, 1:05 PM
Minnesota Timberwolves Center Rudy Gobert (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Rudy Gobert said he’s hoping for a warm welcome from Jazz fans when he makes his return to Utah on Friday night.
The Minnesota Timberwolves open a five-game road trip in Utah where Gobert called home for the first nine seasons of his career.
Now back in Utah, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year shared his thoughts on his return to face the Jazz, and what he’s seen from rookie Walker Kessler.
Gobert Returns To Face Jazz
Gobert said he was unsure of what reception he would get from fans upon making his first appearance in Utah in a rival uniform, but was hopeful he would be welcomed.
“I guess we’ll see, but from what I’ve seen on social media, hopefully, some good things,” Gobert said. “I don’t know how much they’re going to cheer for me, but regardless […] it should be a cool thing.
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Jazz fans showed their appreciation to Gobert by sending their well-wishes to the center after he was traded to the Timberwolves.
Local company Vandy Creations took those messages and incorporated them into a large sign in the shape of Utah that was given to Gobert on Thursday night ahead of his matchup with the Jazz.
Gobert had the sign featuring inscriptions from Jazz fans taken to his residence in Utah that he has held onto even after the trade.
Jazz Nation: we asked—you delivered! A few hundred of you submitted heartfelt messages to @rudygobert27, and we used each of them in this design. We surprised Rudy with this piece tonight ahead of his return to @vivintarena tomorrow night. #TakeNote @utahjazz @Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/mNGk9GsCLw
— Vandy Creations (@vandy_creations) December 9, 2022
“It just warms my heart to see that the fans still took the time to do that for me, and it’s something that I’d be able to keep forever,” Gobert said. “I didn’t get to read all the messages yet but I’ve read a few and it means a lot.”
Gobert Praises Kessler
After the trade that sent Gobert to Minnesota, Jazz fans quickly warmed to rookie Walker Kessler who made a name for himself as college basketball’s best shot blocker.
Kessler admitted after landing in Utah that watching Gobert helped him develop as a rim protector.
“Growing up, Rudy Gobert is one of the greatest shot blockers to ever play the game,” the fresh-faced 21-year-old said.
A sidebar to Rudy Gobert’s Utah return tonight: Jazz rookie big Walker Kessler, acquired in the Gobert trade, is emerging as a force. Tied for fifth in NBA in blocks (1.8 bpg) despite averaging only 16.2 minutes. Last 3 games: 12.7 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 3.3 bpg, 16-17 FG
Rudy is a fan: pic.twitter.com/i0oHegAmNW
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 9, 2022
Gobert in return shared his thoughts on his heir-apparent with the Jazz.
“I love him, I’ve heard great things about him,” Gobert told Tim MacMahon of ESPN. “It seems like he’s a great kid, and he’s a student of the game. Someone told me that before he came into the league, he watched a lot of film of me, so that’s kind of funny in a way. I’m really happy to see him play the way he’s playing. I wish him the best. I think he has a great future ahead of him.”
Kessler has played particularly well in his last three games.
Since the beginning of the month, Kessler is averaging 12.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks in 22 minutes per game while shooting 94 percent from the floor and 75 percent from the free throw line.
Gobert and Kessler will get a chance to face off tonight at 7 pm MT in Salt Lake City. The game will be televised on AT&T SportsNet and can be heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. It can also be streamed on DirecTV Stream and FuboTV.
