Utah Jazz: Donovan Mitchell deserves to be in the Slam Dunk Contest

As the second half of the regular season begins, NBA All-Star weekend is quickly approaching. After the show he put on in the first half, Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell deserves to take part in the Slam Dunk Contest.

While the first half of the 2017-18 NBA season has come and gone, one of the pleasant surprises from around the league in the opening half came in Salt Lake City with the Utah Jazz.

Specifically, the play of rookie guard Donovan Mitchell.

Heading into Friday night’s game against the New York Knicks in Utah, Mitchell has averaged 19.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals in 31.5 minutes per game this season.

Not only does he lead all first-year players in scoring this season, but he ranks 30th in the entire league in scoring.

One final reminder, this guy is a rookie.

Mitchell has put the rest of the NBA on notice for his play this season, something that has even sparked recognition from some of the league’s top players.

Included in that stellar play is an aspect of Mitchell’s game that has steadily improved as the season has gone on. His athleticism, mainly the way he is able to get to the basket and even finish with emphatic dunks, is something that can no longer be overlooked by opponents. Mitchell is able to get to the basket and take over games like a player with twice the experience.

It’s about time that Mitchell’s impressive play, including his impressive finishes at the rim in the first half of the season, earns some sort of reward.

That’s why, with the 2018 NBA All-Star weekend quickly approaching, Mitchell should be a part of the festivities and participate in the Slam Dunk Contest.

I mean, just look at the highlight dunks Mitchell dropped in Wednesday’s win over the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento. These types of dunks are happening during a game. Just imagine if or when Mitchell has time to prepare some flashy dunks for the annual dunk contest.

About a week ago, Mitchell joined ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt on SportsCenter to talk about his hot start to the NBA season, as well as what his thoughts were on being selected for the 2018 Slam Dunk Contest.

"“That would be amazing. I tell people that’s one of my favorite parts of All-Star weekend,” Mitchell said. “Growing up, my teachers will probably see this, but I used to watch it in class.“That would be an amazing honor if I was in it.”"

There have been plenty of examples of Mitchell putting on highlights for fans this season, both with his impressive all-around game and skill-set (again, as a rookie), as well as his athletic finishes at the rim.

There are many reasons why this top Rookie of the Year candidate should take part in All-Star weekend, specifically the Slam Dunk Contest. It’s time to throw Mitchell’s name into the competition.

And if you still have doubts about Mitchell being in the Slam Dunk Contest, allow the video below to convince you otherwise.

This young man has hops.

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Hops that could add “Slam Dunk champion” to the list of things included in Mitchell’s already impressive rookie campaign.