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Utah Jazz: Three things to watch for in tonight’s Rising Stars Challenge

By Jared Woodcox

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz poses for a portrait as part of the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 15, 2018 at the Mariott in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz poses for a portrait as part of the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 15, 2018 at the Mariott in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 14: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz brings the ball up court during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 14, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 14: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz brings the ball up court during the first half of a game against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 14, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

Donovan’s legitimate shot at MVP

Considering that Donovan Mitchell has already separated himself as one of the top rookies in the league, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t command ample playing time tonight and be one of the most prevalent players. Not only that, but since he’s in the Rookie of the Year conversation and has been lights out all season, it’s no stretch to say that he should be among the favorites to win the Rising Stars Challenge MVP award.

Last season, that same award was won by the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray of the World Team who was a rookie at the time. In the contest, he put up a game-high 36 points that included hitting 9-of-14 three-pointers while adding 11 assists in Team World’s 150-139 victory.

Considering that Mitchell has already had two games of 40-plus points during the regular season, a similar stat line against the NBA’s young guns is entirely possible for him. And just as a rookie won it last year, Mitchell could very well continue that trend this time around. As I mentioned earlier, his stats are better than even many of the second-year players that will be participating tonight, so he should definitely be considered one of the front-runners for the award.

Of course, doing so will be easier said than done. Murray will be back to defend his title and the award recipient could very well just end up being whichever player happens to have the hottest hand for this one given night, not necessarily the one that’s had the most success up to this point.

Still, as Mitchell looks to outshine his competition and win the low-key Rookie of the Year battle against Ben Simmons, he could very well have a big game and certainly be in the running for the Rising Stars MVP award. If he does end up winning it, he’ll be the first Utah Jazz player to accomplish that feat.

Next: Utah Jazz: Three games in, Jae Crowder appears to be perfect fit

Whatever comes of these three intriguing facets of the game to watch for regarding Donovan Mitchell, there’s no denying that it will be exhilarating to see him represent the Utah Jazz on such a big stage and prove himself against some of the NBA’s best young players.

The Rising Stars Challenge tips off tonight at Staples Center at 7:00 PM MT on TNT.

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