LeBron James explains why Utah Jazz players went last in All-Star draft

The Utah Jazz’s star players complained on Wednesday about the lack of respect they receive. Their arguments got a whole lot stronger after Thursday’s events.

LeBron James and Kevin Durant got to pick their teams for the All-Star Game on Thursday. Though Utah had two players make the team from the West — Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell — both players were chosen last.

What was the reason for that? James said no offense, but the Jazz have never been exciting.

“We never played with Utah”

LeBron says he never picked the Jazz in video games @BRGaming

(via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/aLynAFuiVB

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 5, 2021

Just wait until the people of Utah get a hold of that quote.

Mitchell and Gobert were furious with the officials after Wednesday’s game. Now they can add the disrespect surrounding the All-Star Game draft to their list of grievances.

Donovan Mitchell has great response to LeBron James’ Jazz comment

Donovan Mitchell is tired of answering questions about the lack of respect the Utah Jazz are getting nationally.

Utah’s reputation has been a talking point of late, fueled in part by comments made by LeBron James during the All-Star draft about why the Jazz don’t get the attention and respect their 27-9 record would seemingly command. Mitchell reacted to that comment, making clear that he and his teammates aren’t seeking James’ approval — or anyone else’s.

Donovan Mitchell on LeBron James’ Utah comments during All-Star draft – “I don’t want to be rude but I really don’t care….people have been talking s*** about me for a while…we’re not doing this to seek the approval of him.”

— Sarah Todd (@NBASarah) March 7, 2021

Mitchell and the Jazz aren’t really desperate for attention. One thing he and his teammates are really after is to be treated and acknowledged like bigger market teams.

The best way Mitchell and the Jazz can deal with their critics is to keep winning. They seem to know that, and aren’t really in the mood to try to gain press any other way.