Rudy Gobert has been selected for the second year in a row to play the All-Star Game, which will take place on March 7 in Atlanta, the NBA announced on Tuesday.
For the second year in a row, Rudy Gobert will take part in the All-Star Game. The French pivot of Utah Jazz is among the 14 replacements chosen by the coaches of the 30 NBA franchises, for this event which will take place on March 7 in Atlanta.
The other players playing in the Western Conference are: Paul George (Clippers), Damian Lillard (Portland), Donovan Mitchell (Utah), Chris Paul (Phoenix), Zion Williamson (New Orleans), but also Anthony Davis (Lakers) , yet injured his right Achilles tendon, which will be replaced if he is not ready in time for the meeting.
In the East were summoned Jaylen Brown (Boston), James Harden (Brooklyn), Zach LaVine (Chicago), Julius Randle (New York), Ben Simmons (Philadelphia), Jayson Tatum (Boston) and Nikola Vucevic (Orlando).
Like noah
Become last year the third “Frenchie” to taste the pleasure of an All-Star Game, Rudy Gobert is still far from Tony Parker and his six selections. But he joins Joakim Noah who has had this honor twice. He is rewarded for his good performance with his team, the best ranked at the end of the first part of the season. His 13.9 points, 13.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks on average have helped make the Jazz one of the best defenses in the league.
For “Gobzilla”, designated best defender in the NBA in 2018 and 2019, this new selection testifies to the consideration he is now the subject of on the part of coaches. The tears that had flowed after learning that he had not been called for the 2019 edition seem far away and more than a bad memory.
It remains to be seen which captain will select him to play in his team, between LeBron James and Kevin Durant, the most popular stars by the vote of fans, players and journalists. Last year, he played in “Team Giannis” Antetokounmpo, narrowly defeated (157-155), and justified his presence with 21 points and 11 rebounds.
Holders known on March 3
It is on March 3 that James (Lakers) and Durant (Brooklyn) will choose in turn, without taking into account the conference from which the players come, the four holders who will make up the five major of their team, then the substitutes. West: Stephen Curry (Golden State), Nikola Jokic (Denver), Luka Doncic (Dallas) and Kawhi Leonard (Clippers). East: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia), Bradley Beal (Washington), Kyrie Irving (Brooklyn).
Among the “unfortunate” not selected include Trae Young (Atlanta), Bam Adebayo (Miami), Fred VanVleet (Toronto), Khris Middleton (Milwaukee) or Devin Booker (Phoenix), that LeBron James described on Twitter as nothing less than the “least respected player in our league”.
This All-Star Game, 70th of the name, will be the first to take place behind closed doors, the Covid-19 pandemic requires. The match will be preceded by a three-point shooting competition and the “skill challenge” (dexterity exercise). A dunk contest will take place at half time.
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