Utah Jazz phenom Donovan Mitchell has done it again, earning yet another recognition – this time as the Salt Lake Tribune’s Most Influential Person in Utah Sports.
When Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell first moved to Utah, I hope he planned an appropriate space for all the accolades, recognition and trophies he’d be bringing home. Because they simply continue to stack up.
This summer alone, he received an ESPY for Best Breakout Athlete, was atop the list of Bleacher Report’s “Glow Up” category in their debut release of the B/R Power 50 and was the Player’s Voice award winner for best rookie, to name a few. He’s turned heads like no Jazz rookie before and continues to grow in popularity and clout.
Thus, his most recent recognition comes as little surprise. Late last week, the Salt Lake Tribune released its list of the 25 most influential people in Utah Sports, and who was atop the list? Well, Donovan Mitchell, of course, who else would it be?
Mitchell received that top spot not only for his incredible breakout rookie season on the court, but also for all he’s done outside of the game. Mitchell has brought the entire state together, has praised the city he lives in to no end and has been a glimmering example of class and selflessness to a community that he’s embraced and that has embraced him back.
Donovan Mitchell is our 2018 Most Influential Person in Utah Sports. https://t.co/iiXF4e9nhg
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) August 17, 2018
He’s established himself as not only a star in Utah, but a star across the league. He’s put the Jazz fully back on the map just a year removed from the departure of former Utah Jazz All-Star Gordon Hayward, and he’s done so in a big way. It’s likely only a matter of time before he lures some big-time free agents to Salt Lake City, which will only cause his influence to expand.
Truth be told, I could see Donovan finding himself at the top of the SL Tribune’s list for years to come.
Other notable Jazz figures who found themselves in the Top 25 were general manager Dennis Lindsey (No. 2), head coach Quin Snyder (No. 3), owner Gail Miller (No. 4), center Rudy Gobert (No. 8) and team president Steve Starks (No. 9). Think the Jazz have a pretty big impact across Utah sports? Those rankings speak volumes.
Yet another recognition for Donovan Mitchell has me asking yet again, is there anything this kid can’t accomplish? As he continues to grow and take his Jazz team with him, I expect nothing but further greatness out of the Louisville product. He’s captured the imaginations and admiration of Jazz fans across Utah and beyond.
The only question is, just what will he do next? We’re less than two months away from finding out just that.