Donovan Mitchell on relationship with Rudy Gobert: ‘Right now we’re good. We’re going out there ready to hoop’
SALT LAKE CITY — For the first time since the NBA shut down on March 11, Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell addressed local media Thursday, doing so via Zoom.
Most notably, Mitchell addressed his rift with teammate Rudy Gobert, saying in part, “Right now we’re good. We’re going out there ready to hoop.”
Mitchell also addressed how he’s been an active voice in the conversation regarding racial justice and his thoughts about the NBA’s restart in Orlando, among other topics.
On relationship with Rudy Gobert
"Right now we're good. We're going out there ready to hoop." Donovan Mitchell on his relationship with Rudy Gobert
— Sarah Todd (@NBASarah) July 2, 2020
Donovan Mitchell said that the
— Sarah Todd (@NBASarah) July 2, 2020
It's no secret that he wasn't happy with Rudy when he tested positive for COVID-19 but that he's ready to move on and stop talking about it and is disappointed that it was all a distraction from the team
Donovan Mitchell said that there was tension before with Rudy but any working relationship or duo in NBA is going to have a back and forth. He said that the working tension and the anger over coronavirus were totally separate things and that bottom line he's moving on
— Sarah Todd (@NBASarah) July 2, 2020
Why did Don just let the issue linger without saying something? He saw that people were arguing and the amount of things people were saying, a lot of it untrue, and he didn't want to get into a Twitter war or just give his thoughts because everyone else thought he should
— Sarah Todd (@NBASarah) July 2, 2020
On negative reaction to social media posts regarding racial injustice
Donovan Mitchell said that he was overcome with disappointment when negative comments popped up on the Utah Jazz BLM post and his Juneteenth post. Said that seeing the same people who cheer for the team say things that hurt was not okay which is why he wasn't quiet on it
— Sarah Todd (@NBASarah) July 2, 2020
Mitchell said that he understands that it's not all just people from Utah or Utah Jazz fans, that there is racist rhetoric that comes from everywhere. But, he lives and he plays here and he's not going to be quiet or stop using his platform to spread awareness around the subject
— Sarah Todd (@NBASarah) July 2, 2020
Also, he noted that there is a stigma and reputation that precede Utah and so long as he has a voice he'll try to educate and shut down the people who are trying to spread hate.
— Sarah Todd (@NBASarah) July 2, 2020
On the Black Lives Matter movement
Donovan Mitchell said that he wishes he could be out protesting and on the front lines of the BLM movement rather than in the NBA bubble but there's a lot at stake and he's hoping to use the opportunity to be heard
— Sarah Todd (@NBASarah) July 2, 2020
Mitchell said that he's glad Black Lives Matter will be on the court in Orlando so that it's in people's faces and even when there is a distraction going on it'll still be there to remind you and stay in your head.
— Sarah Todd (@NBASarah) July 2, 2020
On any concerns returning to play
Mitchell noted his fears over returning to play, especially where injury is concerned because he has a contract situation. I'll note that the situation is an available extension from the Jazz. If he wanted to leave Utah then there would be no contract situation this summer.
— Sarah Todd (@NBASarah) July 2, 2020
This story will be updated.