Utah Jazz rising star Donovan Mitchell made sure that his role model Dwyane Wade’s final trip to Salt Lake as an NBA player was an excellent one.
The Miami Heat are in town to take on the Utah Jazz, meaning that the Utah faithful will have one final chance to see NBA legend Dwyane Wade in action before he hangs up what’s been an illustrious career. Wade has long been a popular figure in the NBA world, but he’s especially piqued the interest of Utah Jazz fans due to the fact that he and Donovan Mitchell have been the subject of significant comparison of late.
It isn’t hard to see why the two would receive comparisons. Between their similar styles, quick rise to acclaim and an equally incredible athleticism, it’s easy to see why many would consider Mitchell a Flash 2.0. What’s been even cooler about the Wade-Mitchell comparisons, though, isn’t just that a second-year Jazzman is being compared to a legend, but the fact that the two have truly developed a meaningful friendship.
This offseason, Mitchell attended a camp hosted by Wade, where the two reportedly engaged in meaningful conversations in which Spida was essentially a sponge, soaking up all the knowledge that the NBA vet could impart. Since then, there have also been ample reports that the two have remained in touch. D-Wade has often praised Mitchell, and Mitchell has been quoted saying that he has had two-hour long phone conversations with Dwyane about the game they love.
We all know Mitchell has an unrelenting determination and work ethic, and if he’s learning from one of the best to ever play the game, I’m all here for it.
Donovan Mitchell on his final matchup with Dwyane Wade: "I kind of model myself after him and the way he plays. I'm surprised he hasn't gotten tired of it, me asking him questions." He says they've had 2-hour phone conversations about the game.
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) December 12, 2018
With Wade and the Heat in town to take on the Jazz on Wednesday evening, Donovan Mitchell further solidified the evidence of his close relationship with the all-time great. In conjunction with Stance, the sock brand that Mitchell recently partnered with to release a signature sock, he hosted a ‘Last Dance’ dinner for Dwyane in honor of his final year in the NBA.
To make things even better, Mitchell jokingly gave ‘old man Wade’ a rocking chair as a parting gift. See it all for yourself in the images/tweets below–
What a cool gesture from Stance and Mitchell to recognize an NBA legend’s final game in Salt Lake City, and what a great reminder of just how solid of a mentor Donovan has in Dwyane Wade.
When the Jazz and Heat met just last week, Wade and Mitchell exchanged jerseys, and Wade was quick to sing Donovan’s praises after the fact, stating that he wishes he “was that good that young.” Considering how prolific Wade was in just his second NBA season, that’s some pretty remarkable praise.
Mitchell and the Jazz haven’t exactly gotten off to the most incredible of starts so far this season. But if Dwyane Wade, and so many others, can recognize the greatness within Mitchell, then I believe we as fans can exercise a little bit of patience, trust and confidence.
Donovan showed all of last year and especially in the postseason just how incredible he can be. As he seeks to follow in his role model Dwyane Wade’s footsteps, but also pave his own path, I’m confident that he’ll likewise ascend the ranks of greatness during his NBA career with a future that’s overwhelmingly bright.