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Stephon Marbury to Utah Jazz Donovan Mitchell: “Go for MVP”

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 6: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz defends against James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2018 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MAY 6: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz defends against James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2018 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

After the Utah Jazz’s preseason victory over the Perth Wildcats, Donovan Mitchell received praise from former NBA star Stephon Marbury.

Donovan Mitchell had an incredible rookie season for the Utah Jazz, making a name for himself and, along the way, getting a lot of eyes on the Jazz. Heading into year two, Mitchell has big expectations from everyone, including retired basketball star Stephon Marbury.

Marbury left a comment on Mitchell’s Instagram post following Utah’s win over the Perth Wildcats on Saturday. The former NBA star told the 22-year old to “go for MVP” and had some more encouraging things to say. Check it out  —

Mitchell scored nine points in 21 minutes against Perth in the game. He added four rebounds and four assists. His body looked great and he looks as explosive as ever.

As for Marbury, you can make the case that the 41-year-old belongs in the Hall of Fame. He played in the NBA for 13 years, averaging 19 points and eights assists over 846 games, then finished his career in China, where he dominated the CBA for eight years. He was such a fun player to watch and accomplished so much during his career.

It’s cool to see another star giving Mitchell words of encouragement. Last season, we saw stars praising him and giving advice after games; advice that I’m sure the Jazz guard still carries with him to this day. It’s crazy how much better he has gotten since the beginning of last season.

So, will Mitchell win the MVP award this season? I doubt it. He does certainly have MVP traits, though. Specifically, the keep-shooting mentality, the never-quit attitude and the killer instinct. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if this kid is an MVP one day.

It’s not far-fetched to think Mitchell can crack the top 10 in MVP voting this season, considering he’s on a very good team and will likely stuff the stat sheet every single night. Two things are certain — Utah has a special player in Mitchell, and this is a special Jazz team.

Mitchell and the Jazz will be back in action on Tuesday, when they host Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors for some more preseason basketball.

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