Gobert Wants To Take All-Star Three, Excited For Events In Utah

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert took center state at All-Star weekend and discussed his plans to shoot a three in Sunday’s game, and what he’s looking forward to when All-Star weekend comes to Utah next winter.

Gobert was the only Jazz player to speak the media today after teammate Donovan Mitchell was ruled out from Saturday’s events due to a non-COVID illness.

The third-year All-Star will play for Team Durant on Sunday night in Cleveland while Mitchell will represent Team LeBron.

Donovan Mitchell missed #NBAAllStar practice today for #TeamLeBron. #TakeNote | @utahjazz https://t.co/gwwesVosFk

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 19, 2022

Gobert Wants To Show Off His Range

Though Gobert has been one of the most productive players during his two previous All-Star appearances having averaged 15.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, there is another skillset the three-time Defensive Player of the Year wants to highlight.

His range.

“I wanted to shoot one last year, but I didn’t really have the opportunity,” Gobert said. “So this year, hopefully, I can shoot one or maybe two, maybe three. We’ll see how that goes.”

Gobert is 0-9 from the three-point line in his career, though his misses have come at the end of the shot or game clock.

The center did hit an 80-footer earlier this season in Denver, though it came shortly after the clock expired.

we're the only sports fans upset with a clock today#NBAAllStar | @rudygobert27 pic.twitter.com/aKkiKR0bPc

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 17, 2022

While Gobert has yet to knock down a deep ball in his career, he said he has a few spots he’s comfortable shooting from.

“I like the corner,” Gobert said. “I like the corner or on top of the key, wherever. I’ve been working on my shot a lot so I’ve been getting comfortable. Hopefully, I can show this tomorrow, and if not, in the near future.”

Gobert Excited For All-Star Weekend In Utah

In addition to wanting to show off his range, Gobert said he was excited for All-Star weekend to return to Utah in 2023.

The state was awarded the event in 2019, marking the 30th anniversary of the first time All-Star weekend was hosted in Utah in 1992.

“I think it will be amazing for the state, for the organization, and I think I actually for the NBA,” Gobert said.

𝟐𝟕 warms up with #TeamDurant 🌟#NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/pHldFg87dt

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 19, 2022

The Jazz are already preparing to highlight the state, including owner Ryan Smith who bought the team in 2020.

“I know Ryan has already a lot of things together to make it a memorable experience for everyone,” Gobert said. “It’s exciting for me, it’s a dream and always a blessing so I hope to be there next year, too.”

Gobert is averaging 15.7 points per game and leads the NBA in rebounds at 14.8 per game, blocks at 2.3 per game, and field goal efficiency at 71 percent.

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