The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Five reasons to look forward to the 2018-19 season

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz celebrates after Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz celebrates after Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 21: Donovan Mitchell looks on at the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center during the 2018 NBA Draft in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 21: Donovan Mitchell looks on at the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center during the 2018 NBA Draft in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Donovan Mitchell’s sophomore year

There’s really no debating it. The best part of last season was the meteoric rise of Donovan Mitchell. He blew absolutely everyone away, Jazz fans included, with his stellar play and incredible transition into the NBA. Not only did he lead all rookies in scoring, but he led his entire Jazz team in scoring as well en route to becoming the Rookie of the Year runner-up.

And the best part about all that was that, in spite of all the great things he did, Donovan showed that he still has room for improvement. His best is yet to come. And with a full offseason of workouts with the legendary Jazz development staff, I predict that we’ll see an even better version of Donovan next year.

In some ways, that’s hard to fathom. But to think that he’ll plateau during his rookie year is absolute foolishness. Mitchell is only 21 years old and seeing how he comes back one year removed from his Rookie of the Year snub is going to be fascinating to behold.

If he can get a little more efficient, improve his decision-making and build on some of his strengths such as finishing at the rim and perimeter defense, he’s going to be a monster. Or perhaps better put, even MORE of a monster than he already was. He was great in 2017-18, but thinking about his improvement and what he’s going to be in 2018-19 makes me giddy with delight.

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