Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) warms up before the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Target Center. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert: 'Gonna be weird' playing against the Jazz Friday

Originally posted on Game 7 | By Anthony Amador | Last updated 10/20/22

The Utah Jazz traded Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves this summer for a 2023 first-round pick, a 2025 first-round pick, a 2026 pick swap, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2029 first-round pick, Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler and Jarred Vanderbilt.

Their objective, obviously, was rebuilding after the Gobert-Donovan Mitchell experiment failed.

This week Gobert will have the opportunity to face off against his old team when they meet on Friday night.

Gobert spoke honestly after his squad’s opening night victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, along with what playing against Utah will feel like.

“I mean it’s gonna be, it’s definitely, gonna be weird,” he admitted.

“Those jerseys are a little different but still weird to play against someone with Utah on them. I mean, I see all the coaches on the sideline even though Quin is not there anymore. It’s still gonna be, yeah, it’s gonna be fun. It’s gonna be fun.

“And, you know, it’s all love for me. You know, I want to see those guys succeed and I’m sure they want to see me succeed, too. So it’s gonna be fun.”

At this point, everyone knows that Gobert and Mitchell despised each other.

Gobert is also keenly aware of why the Jazz ultimately had to trade him away the way they did this summer. He has admitted this much.

That said, the competitive fire that makes him who he is will likely burn a little stronger against Utah this week. It has to. You always want to show the people that quit on you why they were wrong to do so.

Will Gobert have a big game against the Jazz and show all parties involved why he is regarded as one of the best big men in the NBA?

An answer will emerge in less than 24 hours.

This article first appeared on Game 7 and was syndicated with permission.

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