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Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-22 season: 20-11

By Corey Rausch

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 17: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts in the second half of game five of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks at Footprint Center on July 17, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bucks defeated the Suns 123-119. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 17: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts in the second half of game five of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks at Footprint Center on July 17, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bucks defeated the Suns 123-119. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Top 50 NBA players ranked: 18. Donovan Mitchell

Previous Rank: 23

Donovan Mitchell, and the Utah Jazz as a franchise, took a step forward last season. They came into the season with questions regarding how they would work as a team after the public discontent between Mitchell and Rudy Gobert following the latter’s role in COVID-19 making it’s first appearance in the NBA. However, if there were any doubts, last regular season should have done plenty to put those aside.

Mitchell posted a stat line of 26.4 points, 5.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. He extended his dependability from range, knocking down 38.6 percent of his career-high 8.7 attempts per game. Having shown in the bubble the season prior that he was more than capable of being a go-to scoring threat on the grand stage, watching Mitchell extend his production throughout the season was promising.

However, injury issues brought the season for the number one seed to a screeching halt. He missed the final 16 games of the regular season before returning in the playoffs. After missing the first game of the postseason (a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies) Mitchell returned to the court for the remainder of the run. While he was fantastic (32.3 points, 5.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.1 steals on shooting splits of.447/.435/.829), the injuries mounted quickly for the Jazz and they were sent packing in the second round by a limited LA Clippers squad. However, if Mitchell continues his rise into prominence there is no reason the team should not have a shot at the top seed in the Conference and threaten for a title again soon.