Utah Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell was an NBA Draft prospect with not much noise coming out of college. Now he is one of the favorites to win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year
After not receiving a ton of notoriety coming out of college – until, really, the weeks leading up to the actual NBA Draft – Donovan Mitchell found himself as the 13th overall draft pick, thanks to the Utah Jazz.
Mitchell was a lottery pick, yes, but he was certainly not a name that came to people’s heads, especially to the common ball fans, when you discussed possible rookie of the year winners. Yet, since his first NBA game, has been lighting the league up, and truly playing like an All-Star if you ask me.
Mitchell, averaging 20 points, three assists and four rebounds per game, has been such a tremendous bright spot for the Utah Jazz this season.
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He should be the favorite to win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award. Mitchell has excelled on both sides of the floor this year and looks nothing like a rookie.
On top of the latter, he seems to get better every time he steps on the court. He’s also been very efficient.
Mitchell is shooting 44 percent from the floor, 36 percent from 3-point range and 84 percent from the free throw line; he’s been arguably the most efficient rookie when you take in account his usage and Jayson Tatum’s recent slump.
He’s also by far and out the primary ball handler for the Utah Jazz, and he is averaging less than three turnovers a game playing just about 35 minutes per contest. That’s fewer turnovers than every All-Star point guard this season.
Besides his sheer numbers, he’s propelling the Jazz to wins. A team that was absolutely DECIMATED by free agency – losing a perennial All-Star in Gordon Hayward and their high-quality starting point guard George Hill – is only two games out of a playoff spot.
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Also, besides losing those two, Rudy Gobert has been out for an extended amount time this season, and Mitchell is still propelling his team to wins.
There is no doubt in my mind that Donovan Mitchell is the NBA Rookie of the Year right now, and should be in everyone’s. This kid is the real deal.