Rudy Gobert for Number 1 Discussed

[KG4Ever]

https://www.deseret.com/sports/2020/10/20/21525094/rudy-gobert-trade-nba-trade-rumors-minnesota-timberwolves

I've reposted an excerpt here:

In that vein, The Ringer's Bill Simmons and ESPN's Zach Lowe got together on Lowe's podcast Monday (named "The Lowe Post"), and discussed some significant potential trade ideas for Gobert.

The main deal they talked about was the Jazz sending Gobert and the 23rd pick in this year's NBA draft to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first overall pick and James Johnson and Jake Layman to make the contracts work.

After Simmons proposed the deal, Lowe said, "I don't think either team is doing that," noting that Minnesota already has Karl-Anthony Towns at center, but said, "Utah, I get the No. 1 pick. I get the No. 1 pick. That's a pick that's a big deal."

"Utah's one of those teams where it's like, 'Do we need to make another move to get into the conversation, or we're just where we're at?'" -- ESPN's Zach Lowe
Both Simmons and Lowe noted the deal would allow the Jazz to fully commit to building around Mitchell. Said Simmons: "My trade presumes the Jazz are like, 'We hit a wall. We cannot win the title with this team and we have no way of making this team better.'"

Lowe said he hadn't thought of trades involving Gobert for the No. 1 pick, and added "the problem" he kept having trying to construct trades for the Frenchman is leaving Utah without a starting center (Simmons noted the Jazz could select big man James Wiseman with the No. 1 pick).

Added Lowe: "Utah's one of those teams where it's like, 'Do we need to make another move to get into the conversation, or we're just where we're at?'"

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

I'd take Wiseman over Gobert any day of the week even with the risk that he may never be as good. Rudy just gives you too little on offense to be worth taking on for what should be an all-star caliber player you get with the number 1 pick.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I know this is going to sound a little crazy, but in this scenario I think I'd roll the dice on James Wiseman figuring it out. Rudy Gobert probably fixes a lot of our defensive woes the day he walks in the door, and that on its own makes the Wolves a serious team in 2021, but I think Wiseman has the potential to do the same down the road while giving us a lot more on offense. The ceiling with Wiseman is just considerably higher.

[Hicks123 [enjin:6700838]]

I'd take Wiseman over Gobert any day of the week even with the risk that he may never be as good. Rudy just gives you too little on offense to be worth taking on for what should be an all-star caliber player you get with the number 1 pick.

I just don't get this statement. Gobert averaged 15 ppg during season, and 17 during playoff series with Denver. Is he super versatile on offense? Nope. But he isn't this 5 PPG guy he is made out to be.

Oh, and then top that with the fact that he is likely the most impactful defender in the NBA.

Personally, injuries and all, I trade the #1 in a heartbeat. Not even a second thought.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

This is silly. There is no one the Jazz is going to get out of this draft at #1 that will make up in any way for what they lose in Gobert. At least not for a couple years, if ever.

And the Wolves won't do it because does anyone think Rosas is willing to play two Centers together? He has shown zero indication that this is something he'd consider doing.

I could see the Jazz trading Gobert for another guard or wing that could help relieve some pressure off Mitchell, but it would need to be an existing vet, not a rookie.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

I'd take Wiseman over Gobert any day of the week even with the risk that he may never be as good. Rudy just gives you too little on offense to be worth taking on for what should be an all-star caliber player you get with the number 1 pick.

I just don't get this statement. Gobert averaged 15 ppg during season, and 17 during playoff series with Denver. Is he super versatile on offense? Nope. But he isn't this 5 PPG guy he is made out to be.

Oh, and then top that with the fact that he is likely the most impactful defender in the NBA.

Personally, injuries and all, I trade the #1 in a heartbeat. Not even a second thought.

He takes 8 shots per game and has a 16-17 usage rate. That's not a skilled offensive player. That's a tall dude cleaning up around the rim. If he was actually a good offensive player the Jazz would be going a lot further in the playoffs. The fact is he's extremely limited on offense and that's blatantly obvious looking at how he is used. We would 100% feel the pain of turning an elite scoring big man into a cleanup man with a low usage rate relative to his pay. Also his 17 PPGs this playoffs was due to him playing 39 minutes a game. His Per 36 numbers were right there with his regular season stats. 27 million dollars needs to be a go to player on offense or else you end up like Utah not advancing to even a conference finals.

[kekgeek]

This is silly. There is no one the Jazz is going to get out of this draft at #1 that will make up in any way for what they lose in Gobert. At least not for a couple years, if ever.

And the Wolves won't do it because does anyone think Rosas is willing to play two Centers together? He has shown zero indication that this is something he'd consider doing.

I could see the Jazz trading Gobert for another guard or wing that could help relieve some pressure off Mitchell, but it would need to be an existing vet, not a rookie.

I think they do it in a heartbeat actually. Gobert is eligible for a super max and the day he signs that contract the Jazz are done

[Monster]

I'd take Wiseman over Gobert any day of the week even with the risk that he may never be as good. Rudy just gives you too little on offense to be worth taking on for what should be an all-star caliber player you get with the number 1 pick.

I just don't get this statement. Gobert averaged 15 ppg during season, and 17 during playoff series with Denver. Is he super versatile on offense? Nope. But he isn't this 5 PPG guy he is made out to be.

Oh, and then top that with the fact that he is likely the most impactful defender in the NBA.

Personally, injuries and all, I trade the #1 in a heartbeat. Not even a second thought.

He takes 8 shots per game and has a 16-17 usage rate. That's not a skilled offensive player. That's a tall dude cleaning up around the rim. If he was actually a good offensive player the Jazz would be going a lot further in the playoffs. The fact is he's extremely limited on offense and that's blatantly obvious looking at how he is used. We would 100% feel the pain of turning an elite scoring big man into a cleanup man with a low usage rate relative to his pay. Also his 17 PPGs this playoffs was due to him playing 39 minutes a game. His Per 36 numbers were right there with his regular season stats. 27 million dollars needs to be a go to player on offense or else you end up like Utah not advancing to even a conference finals.

How much of that money he gets paid to be one of the best defensive players in basketball? Gobert does have very good offensive skills in that he sets good screens and finishes around the rim. His length allows him to do things other players can't do in that regard. He is absolutely worth 27 million in my mind the question is...what is he going to get paid in a year? That's the problem for me theoretically considering this trade. He is a FA after next season getting older and will likely get a hefty raise. It was a bit fun to talk about but pass.

[worldK]

This is silly. There is no one the Jazz is going to get out of this draft at #1 that will make up in any way for what they lose in Gobert. At least not for a couple years, if ever.

And the Wolves won't do it because does anyone think Rosas is willing to play two Centers together? He has shown zero indication that this is something he'd consider doing.

I could see the Jazz trading Gobert for another guard or wing that could help relieve some pressure off Mitchell, but it would need to be an existing vet, not a rookie.

I think they do it in a heartbeat actually. Gobert is eligible for a super max and the day he signs that contract the Jazz are done

I agree with keek. Gobert is an impact player and elite defender no doubt. But you dont pay him supermax and expects to contend. Even lebron needed an elite mvp caliber 2 way big in davis to win his 4th title. Utah would consider trading him to avoid paying him that and have more space to build a true contender.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I'd take Wiseman over Gobert any day of the week even with the risk that he may never be as good. Rudy just gives you too little on offense to be worth taking on for what should be an all-star caliber player you get with the number 1 pick.

I just don't get this statement. Gobert averaged 15 ppg during season, and 17 during playoff series with Denver. Is he super versatile on offense? Nope. But he isn't this 5 PPG guy he is made out to be.

Oh, and then top that with the fact that he is likely the most impactful defender in the NBA.

Personally, injuries and all, I trade the #1 in a heartbeat. Not even a second thought.

He takes 8 shots per game and has a 16-17 usage rate. That's not a skilled offensive player. That's a tall dude cleaning up around the rim. If he was actually a good offensive player the Jazz would be going a lot further in the playoffs. The fact is he's extremely limited on offense and that's blatantly obvious looking at how he is used. We would 100% feel the pain of turning an elite scoring big man into a cleanup man with a low usage rate relative to his pay. Also his 17 PPGs this playoffs was due to him playing 39 minutes a game. His Per 36 numbers were right there with his regular season stats. 27 million dollars needs to be a go to player on offense or else you end up like Utah not advancing to even a conference finals.

Considering the Wolves haven't even made the 2nd round in 30 of the 31 seasons... I'm ok with smaller dreams. I'd take a winning record at this point. Heck, I'd take 38 wins!

But... regardless... I agree with your premise about Gobert being limited offensively.

And my thoughts on having two bigs (and one that offers no spacing) are already clear.