The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz: Three positives and three negatives about Donovan Mitchell in FIBA group play

By Jared Woodcox

SHENZHEN, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 9: Donovan Mitchell #5 of Team USA shoots free throws against Team Brazil during the FIBA World Cup on September 9, 2019 at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center in Shenzhen, China. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
SHENZHEN, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 9: Donovan Mitchell #5 of Team USA shoots free throws against Team Brazil during the FIBA World Cup on September 9, 2019 at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center in Shenzhen, China. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
SHANGHAI, CHINA – SEPTEMBER 05: Joe Harris of USA celebrate with Donovan Mitchell during the 1st round Group E match between USA and Japan of 2019 FIBA World Cup at the Oriental Sports Center on September 5, 2019 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA – SEPTEMBER 05: Joe Harris of USA celebrate with Donovan Mitchell during the 1st round Group E match between USA and Japan of 2019 FIBA World Cup at the Oriental Sports Center on September 5, 2019 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images) /

Positive No. 3 – Defense and Overall Impact

Regardless of any deserved or undeserved criticism that Donovan Mitchell may have faced over the course of FIBA group play, one thing is certain. When Mitchell has been on the floor, he has had an impressive impact. He made it a point this summer to declare that he would be putting an emphasis on defense, and he most certainly has shown as much in FIBA play.

Mitchell has been a relentless defender that has chased and pestered opposing players tirelessly. He’s been active and effective on D, setting a precedent for his Team USA teammates.

And the impact he’s had as a whole has spoken for itself. As noted in the tweet below from Jazz Twitter extraordinaire Riley Gisseman of Salt City Hoops, the difference for the Americans when Donovan has been on the court versus off is astounding.

Plus/minus isn’t always a tell-all statistic, but the fact that Team USA is plus-102 when Mitchell plays and just plus-five when he’s off is nothing short of astounding. Considering that his offense hasn’t been mind-blowing, this speaks volumes also to the defensive impact he’s had. Although it should be noted that he’s clearly commanding the opponents’ attention on both ends of the court, be it as a shooting threat, an assist king or a defensive menace.

Say what you will about any potential Mitchell shortcomings, but the impact stats speak for themselves. Team USA has been significantly better while he’s been on the court as Mitchell continues to hang his hat on playing winning basketball.

Home/Jazz News