Utah Jazz star dismisses rumors of discontent
If you follow the Utah Jazz closely (or even casually), you’re probably well-aware of rumors surrounding Donovan Mitchell’s unhappiness. If he isn’t feuding with teammate Rudy Gobert, he’s pining for a larger market.
Of course, there’s always the possibility that none of it is true.
Mitchell recently gave Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports an exclusive interview. To hear him tell it, Utah Jazz fans have nothing to worry about on either front.
Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell defends relationship with Gobert
“First of all, we’re good. I just want to go on record saying that” Mitchell told Haynes.
“I think it’s interesting that stuff happens, and he and I have never played at this high a level since we’ve been here. So I make the joke, ‘for a group that hates each other, man, we’re playing pretty well”.
Mitchell’s point is well-taken. The Jazz have had an inconsistent season, but they’re 24-8 with their entire starting lineup available.
Teammates don’t have to be best friends. It’s pretty apparent that Mitchell and Gobert are not. Regardless, they share an on-court symmetry that matters a lot more than whether they hang out after practice.
It might even matter enough to keep Mitchell in Salt Lake City
Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell says he’s happy where he is
When it comes to whispers that Mitchell would rather be in South Beach or Central Park, he’s quick to deny those too.
“I haven’t really thought about it too much” Mitchell told Yahoo! Sports.
“I’m happy right now and just continuing to find ways to win”.
Utah Jazz may need a deep postseason run to satisfy Mitchell
It sounds like winning is the common denominator, whether Mitchell is discussing his team or his teammates.
It makes sense. Mitchell is an obvious gamer. If he bolted for Miami, it would likely be to join Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and co. If he was heading for the Big Apple, it’s likely that he’d have another high profile player in tow.
If the Utah Jazz can disprove the “regular season team” narrative by making a deep playoff run, it sounds like Mitchell won’t care where he’s playing, or who he’s playing with.
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That’s encouraging for Utah Jazz fans. After all, this team is built to win now. Hopefully, they’ll give Mitchell every reason to stay following this postseason.