Nobody has more defined Jazz basketball since the departure of Stockton and Malone than has Rudy. Nobody. All along the way, Rudy has done the little things, and the big things, but especially a massive amalgam of little things that don't register on the cognitive radar as much as they should. When we started ascending back into competitiveness, Rudy was undeniably recognized, but a large light had shined upon Gordon Hayward. Hayward, by outside appearance, was the star of the team. He sold the merchandise. The jerseys. The most popular haircut when the Jazz gave out free Hayward or Gobert cuts was the Hayward. But Rudy knew this was his team. As Hayward waffled with signing an extension, Rudy signed his and then went on a tear to communicate that he had made his decision. That he was focused on the here-and-now. That this was his team. Then came the Stayward campaign and all the focus, both locally and nationally, that went toward the emphasis or importance of Hayward to the team. Then the Hayward was gone, and we were written off. Gobert was injured and people were talking about landing Doncic. Then Rudy came back and willed us back to the playoffs and another post-season victory. Mitchell was able to jump in and resume the Hayward role but magnify that -- to be the national face of the franchise, the guy talked about on ESPN, the guy dropping 40 as a rookie, and rightfully so. But this team only goes as far as Rudy does. And now there's an added focus on all off-court popularity that is a dream for the business side -- the publicity, the ESPN coverage, the shoe deals, etc. We all revel in that, and that's okay. But we often lose sight of what's most important and fail to recognize that all those other issues are only appendages to success, and are not the ends themselves.
Donovan has been great, and this is not to take away from any of that. But Rudy Gobert is owed his due. While everyone has been out busting champagne bottles of celebration, Rudy has been shoveling ****. The front office passively took a gigantic **** on his chest. Even Jazz fans are focused more on not overpaying Gobert than on what the **** show will be like if he were gone. This man has ascending himself into the realm of the all-time Jazz greats in Stockton, Malone, and Sloan, and not just through talent or ability. Rudy has earned his keep. The way he has been thrown under the bus is unacceptable, and the passage of time since this that has enabled a too-large segment of Jazz nation to consider any other option is unbelievable.
I have always been Jazz first, but because how synonymous I view "what's good for Rudy" with "what's good for the Jazz," I will sink with this ship. Of course, "what's good for the Jazz" can mean many things. But in its purest form of "wining games and contending for championships," what's best for the Jazz is Rudy. IDGAF about marketability.
**** the front office.
If you question this, it's because you hate Rudy and need to see the error in your ways.
Donovan has been great, and this is not to take away from any of that. But Rudy Gobert is owed his due. While everyone has been out busting champagne bottles of celebration, Rudy has been shoveling ****. The front office passively took a gigantic **** on his chest. Even Jazz fans are focused more on not overpaying Gobert than on what the **** show will be like if he were gone. This man has ascending himself into the realm of the all-time Jazz greats in Stockton, Malone, and Sloan, and not just through talent or ability. Rudy has earned his keep. The way he has been thrown under the bus is unacceptable, and the passage of time since this that has enabled a too-large segment of Jazz nation to consider any other option is unbelievable.
I have always been Jazz first, but because how synonymous I view "what's good for Rudy" with "what's good for the Jazz," I will sink with this ship. Of course, "what's good for the Jazz" can mean many things. But in its purest form of "wining games and contending for championships," what's best for the Jazz is Rudy. IDGAF about marketability.
**** the front office.
If you question this, it's because you hate Rudy and need to see the error in your ways.
