Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert’s relationship has been rocky since both players tested positive for COVID-19 in mid-March. Gobert, a French international basketball player, did not take coronavirus seriously. He was notably the first player in major American sports to test positive for coronavirus.
Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell’s Relationship May Not Be Salvageable
Mitchell feels that he was infected with coronavirus because of Gobert’s poor choices. Health is a major concern for people and Mitchell’s health was affected by Gobert being playful. According to Alex Raskin of the Daily Mail, Gobert touched other players’ and their belongings in the locker room, in a joking way.
Donovan Mitchell reportedly is "reluctant" to fix his relationship with Rudy Gobert.
"It doesn't appear salvageable," a source told @ShamsCharania, @sam_amick and @Tjonesonthenba pic.twitter.com/K96EvPleyU
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 10, 2020
This happened days before playfully tapping the reporters’ recorders. He carelessly put his life and the life of these teammates at risk with his actions. These actions are what probably angered Mitchell.
Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell Tested Positive
Gobert tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday, March 11th. The results were confirmed just before tip-off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. A day later the Jazz found out that Donovan Mitchell also tested positive for coronavirus according to ESPN.
It is understandable that Donovan Mitchell is hesitant to forgive or trust Gobert. However, this relationship could be salvageable as Gobert is showing regret for his actions. On March 14th, just three days after testing positive, Gobert donated over $500,000 to people in need. This includes money to employees at Vivant Smart Home Arena, the home arena of the Utah Jazz.
Rudy Gobert is donating more than $500,000 to support both the employee relief fund at Vivint Smart Home Arena and COVID-related social services relief in Utah, Oklahoma City and within the French health care system.
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 14, 2020
Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell’s Contribution to the Utah Jazz
Both Gobert and Donovan Mitchell are key pieces on the Jazz, who are currently fourth in the Western Conference. They were both Utah Jazz representatives as first-time NBA All-Stars in Chicago this year.
In the 2019-20 NBA season, Rudy Gobert averaged 15.1 points, 13.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2 blocks per game. Donovan Mitchell added 24.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1 steal per game this year.
It makes sense for the Jazz to keep both Donovan Mitchell and Gobert happy as they are franchise cornerstones. For Utah to reach championship heights, both players need to be very successful.
However, this does not take away from Gobert’s reckless actions. He could have put Mitchell, his teammates, and the media’s life in jeopardy. The silver lining is that Gobert regrets and is taking responsibility for his careless actions. Maybe, this was a turning point for Gobert.
“I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours,” Gobert wrote a few weeks ago on Instagram. “I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis…mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment.”
It will not be a quick fix, but as long as Gobert continues to take responsibility for his actions, there is a good chance Mitchell will forgive him. They have time on their side as no one knows when the NBA will resume their 2019-20 NBA season.
Who does the Utah Jazz Choose?
Hopefully, it does not come to it, but it is possible the Jazz will be faced with a tough decision. If Mitchell refuses to play with Gobert, a trade needs to happen. Both players would have plenty of suitors on the open market, so it is up to the Jazz to find a partner. Most likely, they would commit to Mitchell and move Gobert. The NBA is built on wings and guards, so Mitchell may be viewed as the more important piece here.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
