The Utah Jazz fans were left disappointed this summer as they saw their All-Star Gordon Hayward join the Boston Celtics in free agency.
Hayward ended his seven-year stay in Salt Lake City to team up with his former college coach Brad Stevens in Beantown.
His departure will have a huge effect on the Jazz as many teams around them have improved significantly this offseason which has made the Western Conference much tougher.
Realistically, Utah will struggle to make the playoffs again next year after they finished fifth in the west last season with an impressive 51-31 record.
Losing the production of Hayward will be a blow and they haven't done enough this summer to replace that.
One thing the loss of the small forward will do is elevate Rudy Gobert to become the leader of the franchise.
Some would argue that it was already becoming Gobert's team even when Hayward was on the roster as he has improved significantly in recent years.
He emerged as one of the league's best big men in the last campaign and an elite defender and rim protector.
The Frenchman was rewarded with a spot on the All-NBA Second Team and All-Defensive First Team due to his production.
Gobert knows that there are a lot of frustrated Utah fans around ahead of the new season, but he has a special piece of advice for them.
"I would tell them to stop arguing with the less-intelligent people on social media and just wait for this season to start. Just wait," he told HoopsHype.
The 25-year-old was also asked how he felt about Hayward's decision to move to the Celtics.
"I’m over that already. It is what is. I’m focused on our team," he replied.
It's clear that the center is keen to focus on next year and doesn't want to dwell on the past. Gobert represents a genuine star for the Jazz to build around and he can only get better.
His numbers showed just how important he was to the team last year as he averaged 14 points, 12.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks while shooting 66.1 percent from the field – all of which were career-highs. He also led the NBA in blocks per game with 2.6.
His strengths clearly lie on the defensive end but the Stifle Tower is likely to be used more offensively next year and it's something he's looking forward to.
"I’ve gotten better every year and my role offensively has increased every year," he said. "I’m going to make another step forward this year. I’m not a guy who was taking a lot [of touches] away offensively; I was getting my teammates open, getting them good looks, and then finishing at the rim. Now, I know I’ll probably be able to show even more."