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Las Vegas • The dangers and concerns over the upcoming Olympic Summer Games in Brazil are real. Multiple athletes have pulled out due to the Zika virus scare. Security has been an issue. And there are financial questions even in the month before the games start.

But for Rudy Gobert, the opportunity to take part in the Olympics was too much to pass up. For Gobert, Jazz's towering French center — this is a pinch-me moment.

Ultimately, those are the reasons why Gobert has decided to play in the Rio Games. Are the Jazz concerned for his health and well being? Sure. Is there the chance that Gobert could be fatigued heading into training camp? Yes. But Gobert — who, along with newly acquired Jazzman Boris Diaw, will play for France — sat out of the qualifying round in order to rest and remain in Salt Lake City to work on his game. When France did qualify, Gobert quickly sent out a tweet on Monday night, confirming he would be playing.

"I'm not going to stop playing basketball," Gobert said. "You can get hurt anywhere and anytime on a basketball court. I just wanted to make sure this was the right decision. I've always dreamed about it, and I think we can do something great. So let's do it."

No doubt, the opportunity for France to be competitive and to possibly medal played a role in Gobert's decision. With Gobert, Diaw and Tony Parker, France is stocked with NBA talent, and has the ability to advance far into the tournament.

And Gobert's presence will mean plenty to France, as is the case with the Jazz. He's their rim protector and rebounder, a player that not many teams outside of the U.S. and Spain have an answer for. Gobert has also always felt a deep sense of loyalty to his country. And now that he's a prominent member of their national program, he's ready to take on the challenge.

"The only concern for the Jazz, they want to make sure I don't hurt and that I take care of myself and take care of my body," he said. "The Zika virus isn't that big of a concern to me. I just can't stop playing basketball because there's the risk of being hurt. I just think this is a great opportunity and I want to take advantage of it."

And Gobert appears to be plenty confident about his team's Olympic chances. When asked if France is equipped to possibly spring an upset on Team USA, Gobert said that he wasn't going to Rio to lose.

When asked what it was going to feel like playing against Jazz teammate Joe Ingles — who will play for Australia — Gobert just gave a wry smile, the one he always has before talking a little trash.

The hope for the Jazz is that Gobert's body will hold up over the season and not wear down from his national team duty. If Gobert is able to stay healthy during the regular season, the Jazz should have one of the better frontcourts in the NBA.

And to top off his busy summer, Gobert and the Jazz are working towards a contract extension, which could pay him max money. The two sides agreed to table talks until after the Olympics. But Gobert appears to be a centerpiece for the Jazz, heading into the future. That, and having Diaw on the roster for this coming season has made the Utah center a happy man.

"I'm really excited. I'm excited to play with Boris. He's a great player and he has a lot of experience. He's going to add a lot to our team. He can shoot, he's versatile and he makes us a better team."

tjones@sltrib.com twitter: @tjonessltrib —

Rudy Gobert's summer

• Accepted an invitation to play for France in the Olympics. He is expected to be the starting center

• Is working with the Jazz toward a contract extension — though talks are on hold until after the Games

• Is heading into his fourth season with the Jazz, his third as a starter