Rudy Gobert Rocks Mark Eaton Jersey Before Game 1 Of Jazz/Clippers Series

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Jazz center Rudy Gobert honored his late friend and mentor Mark Eaton by sporting the former Jazzman’s jersey prior to Utah’s first postseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Gobert and the Jazz hosted the Clippers for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Tuesday, June 8.

Eaton, a close friend and mentor of Gobert, passed away in late May.

Before Game 1, Gobert entered Vivint Arena wearing a throwback No. 53 Mark Eaton Jazz jersey.

For Mark 💜 pic.twitter.com/Ob4BGTgeDZ

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) June 9, 2021

Shortly after Eaton’s death, Gobert thanked the former Jazz great for the impact of his life.

“To my great mentor and friend @markeaton7ft4 , one of kind and an amazing human being, i’m grateful for your presence in my life over the years. Gonna miss our conversations. But i know you’ll be watching.”

To my great mentor and friend @markeaton7ft4 , one of kind and an amazing human being, i’m grateful for your presence in my life over the years. Gonna miss our conversations. But i know you’ll be watching. pic.twitter.com/XDvEJTPCwp

— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) May 29, 2021

Eaton and Gobert are the only two players in Jazz franchise history to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award. Eaton won the award in 1985 and 1989. Gobert received the award in 2018 and 2019.

Mark Eaton Jersey Patch

The Jazz honored Eaton by placing his No. 53 jersey number on the team’s jersey patch.

Utah’s 1223 jersey patch is in honor of the late Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan.

The Jazz are honoring legend Mark Eaton this evening with an added “53” on the 1223 stripe. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/SI8yzPymDZ

— Jazz Uniform Tracker (@JazzUniTracker) June 9, 2021

Utah’s game against Los Angeles is broadcast on TNT and 97.5 FM.