Utah Jazz: 2017-18 player grades for Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell was a revelation during his rookie season. We are going to take a look back at his body of work for the Utah Jazz.

At this point, not much more needs to be said. When you’re mentioned in the same breath as all-time greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain, that means that you’re doing something right.

Donovan Mitchell was selected 13th overall when Utah Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey traded the 24th overall selection and Trey Lyles to the Denver Nuggets and completely fleeced them.

At the time, it wasn’t entirely clear who should be declared the winner of the deal, but by the end of the season it was clear the Jazz had come out on top in more ways than one. They made the postseason, and the Nuggets’ postseason chances came down to the last game of the season (which they lost). It will always be an interesting “what if?” scenario, but the Jazz are glad that Mitchell being on their team is a reality.

Utah’s magical season ended at the hands of the Houston Rockets in the second round, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort. Utah didn’t have starting point guard Ricky Rubio for the series, so the attention (and pressure) immediately shifted to Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell responded fairly well especially for a rookie guard, but he offered a glimpse into the future.

The series with Houston only lasted five games, but Mitchell scored in double digits in all five contests. In Game 5 he only put up 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting, but when you’re outscoring the team that was in the Western Conference Finals by yourself ….

…. not much else can be said.