According to reports, Donovan Mitchell texted the Utah Jazz prior to the draft suggesting they select Grayson Allen with the No. 21 pick.
A recent article was released by Aaron Falk, who writes for UtahJazz.com, and it included a very interesting piece of information regarding Donovan Mitchell and Grayson Allen. Apparently, Mitchell texted Dennis Lindsey after a pre-draft workout, giving his vote of confidence for the Utah Jazz to select Grayson Allen with the number 21 pick in the draft.
The text was sent to assistant general manager David Morway, and simply read, “Grayson at 21?”
“Grayson at 21?”
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) July 27, 2018
That was a text Donovan sent after watching part of @GraysonJAllen’s workout with the Jazz.
From NCAA to NBA, here’s a story about rivals who now find themselves on the same side.
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Mitchell also made it a point to go to the Jazz front office and say the same thing. When GM Dennis Lindsey asked his thoughts on Allen, Mitchell said, “He was a tough competitor, but I’d like to compete with him.”
The two competed against each other in college for two years, while both were playing in the ACC. As a freshman, Mitchell actually had one of his best games of the season, scoring 17 points in a 72-65 loss to Duke. Allen led the Blue Devils with 19 points in the win.
The next season’s matchup was much more intense, as Mitchell really came into his own as a sophomore. They would split the series 1-1, but not before a few on-court altercations occurred, including a moment where Mitchell “accidentally” slapped Allen in the face after diving for a loose ball.
While the competition on the court was heated, it appears the two have always had a mutual respect for one another. Included in the article from Aaron Falk was Mitchell expressing his respect for Allen’s game and level of toughness.
“Everybody has pretty much showed our back and forth,” Mitchell said. “But the one thing about Grayson is I always respected him. When people ask me who the toughest guy I had to go against in college basketball, it’s him.”
That became clear during the draft, as Mitchell genuinely looked ecstatic over the selection of Allen at 21. Even going so far as to interrupt the post-selection interview so that he could hug and congratulate him on being the newest member of the Jazz.
Since the draft, that showing of admiration has continued, and it appears that Mitchell has taken Allen under his wing. He was right there during the Summer League games, and during timeouts was often the first player to greet Allen and to give him advice. That should get Jazz fans excited, since Allen can hopefully learn a thing or two from Mitchell, and together they can grow into a dominant backcourt tandem.
“I have Donovan to go up against every day in practice,” Allen said. “He’s a guy that had an incredible rookie year. If I can measure up against him each day in practice, go against him, that’s just great for me. He’s someone who’s a similar position, a scorer, a similar type player that I can go up against. It’s going to be awesome.”