Rudy Gobert ahead of Utah Jazz Primetime game against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday talked about the team this season and the importance of playing at Primetime in Europe for the fans back home.
Q: What does it mean to you to be able to play at European Primetime on Saturday for your fans back in France?
RG: “It’s great for the fans in France. They’re going to get to watch us a lot, especially on the west coast. That night is going to be great.”
Q: Are you amazed at the growth of the league in Europe to where games are aired on primetime there?
RG: “When I was a kid, I wasn’t able to watch. We had to get special channels and that was not easy at all. Now it’s easier. At least every day, the fans can watch shows and recaps in the morning. Primetime games is great. I wish we as a team had more this year, but I’m excited to have a few.”
Q: How much does it mean to fans in France to watch NBA games live?
RG: “I think we have a lot of great fans in France. A lot of passionate fans that love the game of basketball. I think it’s Milwaukee and Charlotte who are going to play each other in France. It’s already sold out. Everyone is looking for tickets. I think it shows we have a great fanbase over there. It’s great to have a game there and more primetime games and being able to watch games live.”
Q: How far do you think the Jazz can go this season?
RG: “We don’t want to put any limits on what we can do. Obviously, we want to be one of the top teams in the world. We know that we’re not there yet, but we have the potential to be. We want to put the work in every day, hopefully to get to this point.”
Q: How do you rate your chances of winning the Best Defensive Player award for the third time?
RG: “It’s something that I strive for every year. It’s something we do as a team. We need to be a tough defensive team. That’s my goal more than anything.
NBA Saturdays presented by NBA2K20 on Sky Sports – part of a record 48 Primetime games live on Sky Sports starting from 7.00pm every weekend. This week on 21 December the Charlotte Hornets host the Utah Jazz on Sky Sports Arena from 10.00pm.
