NBA: 5 early-season dark horse MVP candidates

4. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz

This season the Louisville product has displayed a more controlled, efficient game in his third year with the Utah Jazz. In nine games, Donovan Mitchell has averages of 24.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists per game. He’s also shooting lights out, hitting at a 48 percent clip from the field and 42 percent from beyond the arc.

In Mitchell’s first two seasons with Utah, he has consistently been surrounded by elite-level defensive talent. The Jazz has always ranked top 5 defensively in Donovan Mitchell’s tenure.

Subsequently, this has led to lackluster talent on the offensive end and a heavy load of scoring for Mitchell to burden – while constantly facing double teams. Luckily for the Jazz, Spida overcame these hurdles and still performed at an All-Star level in his first two seasons.

In the offseason, the Jazz acquired veteran star Mike Conley and sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovic to bolster their offensive unit. With the added offensive firepower, the 6-foot-4 guard is having his best season yet.

The Utah Jazz – likely championship contenders – are currently placed fourth in the West with an 8-3 record. This already established, formidable squad has optimized the ability of Donovan Mitchell, which has allowed him to reach new heights.

Often being compared to Dwayne Wade with shooting ability, Donovan Mitchell has the chance to not only win MVP of the league this season but also Finals MVP.