Snyder campaigns for Gobert to be named an All-Star

SALT LAKE CITY — Quin Snyder wants everyone to know: Rudy Gobert should be an All-Star.

Before Utah’s game against Minnesota on Friday, the Jazz head coach went into full campaign for his starting center.

"So much of what Rudy does, I won't say is thankless, but you have to look for it,” Snyder said. “You realize, 'You know what, I have to thank him again.' He's giving himself to the team. His screen assists, his rolls, his defense, his defense on the perimeter, his rim protection. There (are) so many things he does.”

Gobert leads the league in win shares, according to Basketball-Reference. In ESPN’s real plus-minus, Gobert ranks No. 10 in the league. And Gobert leads the league in screen assists with 6.1 per game — leading to an NBA-best 14.1 points.

"He's not going have a line like some of the other guys that make the All-Star Game,” Snyder said. “I would argue what he’s doing is even more unique and more valuable because he doesn't necessarily get that validation, but he is still able to do it. It's not only as impactful, it's more impactful."

Gobert finished 21st among Western Conference frontcourt players in All-Star fan voting, 16th in player voting and seventh in media voting (he received one media vote). But those vote totals won’t affect whether or not he ends up as an All-Star reserve — that is up to NBA coaching staffs. And it’s safe to say that they notice Gobert’s impact a little more than the casual fans.

"If you want to see what's impactful for our team, just dig into it for 30 seconds and look at all the things that guy does — it's phenomenal," Snyder said.

And Gobert is used to people not digging in enough on his game to fully appreciate him. But he's fine with just helping the team win.

"We have all the advanced stats, and you are able to see it more,” Gobert told KSL.com earlier this month. “It’s frustrating for the guys who do all the dirty work. But at the end of the day, those guys get rewarded by winning and helping the team. I’m happy with what I do. It doesn’t change my motivation.”

Gobert, though, might just get rewarded with an All-Star nod. There is plenty of momentum for Gobert to be named as an All-Star reserve with ESPN’s Zach Lowe even saying he was certain Gobert would make the team.

“Utah fans seem worried Gobert won't get in. That would be nuts,” Lowe wrote. “He's averaging 15 and 13, and shooting 66 percent — best in the league. His assists are up, and his turnovers are down. He's a one-man defense, but not a one-way player.”

The All-Star reserves will be announced Thursday, Jan. 31.

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