The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz: Three pleasant surprises and three disappointments 10 games into season

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 08: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a play with teammate Royce O'Neale #23 during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 8, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 08: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a play with teammate Royce O'Neale #23 during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 8, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 8: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz smiles after a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 8, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 8: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz smiles after a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 8, 2019 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Pleasant Surprise #3 – Donovan Mitchell’s efficiency

Perhaps the biggest criticism Donovan Mitchell has taken in his young career is that he is an inefficient volume shooter that takes bad shots at too high of a clip. There is probably some truth to that, but those that have been too hard on him would do well to remember that he has just two years of NBA experience and was forced to shoulder a colossal load for his Jazz team that is rare for a player as young as he is.

Regardless of any former impressions of the third-year star, though, he’s quickly silencing his critics so far this season as he’s off to an exceptionally efficient start. Through 10 games, Mitchell is shooting a wonderful 48.1 percent from the field as well as a difficult-to-believe 45.5 percent from the perimeter.

Both obviously would be career-highs, but what’s perhaps even more impressive is that his three-point clip has him at the second-best mark on the team, trailing only Royce O’Neale and ahead of the likes of Bogdanovic, Conley and Joe Ingles.

Some have gone as far as to say that the three-point shot isn’t a reliable part of Mitchell’s game and not something he should count on. But, so far, it’s been one of his most deadly weapons. And if he keeps up this kind of efficiency, he’s going to make the Jazz even more dangerous than imagined.

His 24.6 points per game is an impressive mark in and of itself, but when considering the efficiency he’s doing it on, it’s even more incredible. Sure, it’s only been 10 games, but if Mitchell keeps this up, he’s almost certain to become a first-time NBA All-Star this season.

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