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SALT LAKE CITY — Almost as if the oversight was a first, Jazz management were extremely miffed after NBA coaches chose not to select Rudy Gobert as a reserve for this month’s All-Star game.
The shrewd move goes much deeper than playing in a meaningless exhibition game that makes playground basketball look structured. The full-scape defense of Gobert sends a strong message throughout the NBA that could help the Jazz in pursuit of acquiring and maintaining talent.
Play for a franchise, Jazz officials are indirectly saying, that will do everything possible within the rules to promote individuals and compete for a championship. They believe this organization has all the ingredients to win an NBA championship.
"It’s a great thing,” former NBA player and current Jazz analyst Michael Smith said during his regular appearance on The Zone Sports Network. “From a player’s perspective, you love that. Anybody loves to have support.”
Voiced by Dennis Lindsey during an interview on The Zone Sports Network, the Jazz want virtually a complete overhaul of the voting process. The team’s general manager outlined a detailed plan that would include much more than simply having conference coaches choose the seven reserves to join the starters who win the popular fan voting.
“We’re not saying any of the seven players that were selected are not deserving,” Lindsey said. “I just think that our guy was more deserving than any of the seven.”
Lindsey’s impassioned plea recited Gobert’s impressive credentials — “He’s easily the best defender in the world” — that are unquestionably worthy of earning his first All-Star berth. All the metrics, which are not limited to one side of the court, offer proof that Gobert belongs on the team.
Lindsey also noted all the intangibles Gobert brings, including his willingness to follow through on whatever the team asks of him. Most importantly, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year plays a critical role for a team that is bound for the postseason for the third consecutive season.
“I don’t want to be melodramatic here. No one died, no one got sick, but this is important to our guy,” Lindsey said. “At the end of the day, the guy really was deserving and no one can dispute that.”
In addition to going public by outlining a new selection process, Lindsey indicated management and ownership intended to speak with commissioner Adam Silver. The Jazz recommend paying a committee primarily comprised of former players, coaches, media members and analytical specialists.
“Examination of the process is long overdue,” Lindsey said.
Predictably, the outrage drew a wide range of response. Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green, a multiple All-Star, poked fun at Gobert’s display of emotions that included crying in his first public response to not making the team.
The truth is, only the names change in the annual controversy surrounding the All-Star roster. Every year, in virtually all sports at every level, worthy players get excluded.
Outside of Utah, some would offer a shrug upon learning of Gobert’s exclusion. Modifying the selection process ultimately cannot guarantee the best seven players would be added to both conference rosters every season.
But all the opposition to the coaches’ vote is part of Lindsey’s bigger plan to debunk any theory that Salt Lake City is not a destination spot for NBA players. Over time his crusade will pay dividends.
“We’re not going to be victims,” said Lindsey, adamantly refusing to accept the notion the Jazz can’t win in a small market, cold weather, etc.
“It’s nonsense,” he said. “Those are all excuses.”
