Can Donovan Mitchell take the leap into Superstardom?
Who’s ready for year two of Spida Mitchell?! I know I am.
Donovan Mitchell isn’t going to take anybody by surprise this next season. Not after averaging 20 points a game as a rookie, scoring over 30 points five times and over 40 points twice. Not after helping to lead the Jazz to the playoffs, and leading the team to a victory over OKC where he outplayed the reigning MVP Russell Westbrook.
For most NBA players, their sophomore season is their coming out party. If Mitchell hasn’t come out yet, I can’t even imagine what he has in store for Jazz fans next season.
While Mitchell had a Rookie of the Year-worthy season, there were definite areas for improvement. The first will be as a playmaker. He had a turnover ratio of 1.35, which was one of the worst among qualifying guards (at least 50 games played and 20 minutes per game). Mitchell showed the ability to make some incredible passes last year, but he’ll need to use the attention he draws and his ability to get to the basket as a way to better create for his teammates.
The next will be in his efficiency as a scorer. Can Mitchell improve as an off-the-bounce 3-point shooter? Can he start to get the benefit of the whistle and increase his free throw attempts per game?
Both of the above will be a big factor in whether Mitchell can average upwards of 25 points a game, and take a leap into superstardom.