Jazz VP: Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell ready to put virus issue behind them
The tension between Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell apparently has passed.
Utah Jazz executive vice president Dennis Lindsey spoke with local reporters on a video conference call Tuesday. Lindsey said that Gobert and Mitchell are ready to put their issues behind them.
Jazz executive VP Dennis Lindsey on Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell: "They're ready to put this behind them, move forward, act professionally. … We're very pleased with the collective makeup of our group, Donovan and Rudy in particular. We look forward to moving forward."
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) May 5, 2020
Mitchell had some beef towards Gobert over the coronavirus. Mitchell believed that Gobert acted irresponsibility while unknowingly infected with the virus, which led to Mitchell becoming infected. One report said the relationship between the two could not be salvaged, but Gobert disputed that, and so does Lindsey.
The Jazz were 41-23 before the season was suspended, and Mitchell and Gobert are two of their best players, so there is no reason they shouldn’t try to get along.
Lindsey also told reporters they expect to open the team practice facility soon and that he would like the season to be completed as long as it is safe.
Dennis Lindsey would not speculate on likelihood the 2019-20 season would resume, saying the decision will be "based upon data and not not dates." He did say the practice facility will be re-opening soon, though likely after May 8, as the team seeks to exceed safety standards.
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) May 5, 2020
Dennis Lindsey noted the importance of "giving the players some hope we’re going to try to salvage a part of the season." He said if it can be done safely, he is all for determining a league champion, even if it's as a result of a truncated season.
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) May 5, 2020
The Jazz were having a nice season and fourth in the West at the time of the season’s suspension.
