Donovan Mitchell already made one return to Utah when the Cavaliers played there in January, but it was still meaningful for him to be back on his former practice court in preparation for Sunday’s All-Star Game, writes Joe Coles of The Deseret News.
Mitchell spent five seasons with the Jazz, making three All-Star appearances, before being traded to Cleveland last summer. He said returning to Salt Lake City brings back a lot of memories and pointed out that current Cavs teammates Ricky Rubio and Raul Neto helped him adapt to the NBA during his early days in Utah.
“Ricky and Raul have been phenomenal. They were an instrumental part of my career, helping me get to be the player I am today,” Mitchell said. “To be back here, all these years later in a similar situation, trying to get to a championship, trying get to the playoffs, trying to continue to build, it’s phenomenal. Those guys are the best.”
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- During Saturday’s All-Star media session, Mitchell offered a strong endorsement of Nuggets center Nikola Jokic in the MVP race (video link from Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype). “It’s f—ing outrageous, to be honest,” Mitchell said. “I don’t know how many people have won it three times in a row, but he’s otherworldly right now.”
- Tony Jones of The Athletic credits a subpar showing in the NCAA Tournament with helping Walker Kessler end up with the Jazz. Kessler got into foul trouble and struggled with drop coverage as highly-ranked Auburn was upset by Miami last spring. That resulted in Kessler slipping to the 22nd pick and Minnesota being willing to part with him in the Rudy Gobert trade. Kessler has become the starting center for Utah and a virtual lock for All-Rookie honors. “As far as a ceiling goes, I don’t really see one for Walker,” head coach Will Hardy said. “There’s nothing right now that hits me in the face as a big limitation.”
- Thursday’s loss to the Wizards showed that it’s going to take more than swapping D’Angelo Russell for Mike Conley to fix the Timberwolves, observes Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. Minnesota was hoping Conley would provide better decision-making and a steady presence late in games, but the Wolves gave up 38 points in the fourth quarter while letting a big lead slip away.
“The Unexpected Rise of Lauri Markkanen”
Utah’s versatile big man has come into his own this season, helping the Jazz remain in playoff contention as he gets set to start his first All-Star Game, at home in Salt Lake City.
link to si.com
Many here only got answers. For the learning curves of young players today. Never understanding that at 19 yrs old. A male Hasn’t even physically matured yet. And probably won’t till after 22. All the science tells us athletes peak after 24. When your body natures. and your mental and physical abilities gain experience. And become better as they work in union better. Considering todays NBA future stars all come in at 19 yrs old.
So why It’s easy to hate for all you wonderminds …. I just have to wonder what or who you are really hating.
Lauri Markkanen born May 22, 1997.
Came into this yr 25 yrs old. And is now an NBA all star.
Mitchell giving credit to Jokic, rightfully. His winning the MVP previously shouldn’t disqualify him. He’s a very skilled player, and there isn’t another like him in the NBA playing his position.
Kessler looked like a solid C for todays gm. And a real big, by the way. But I agree he did look bad in tournament. Utah lucked out.
I thought this team was tanking for Wembayamba. Doesn’t seem like it now.
Just watched Jokic v CLE… dude is unbelievable. MVP? He might be the GOAT. I’m not a DEN fan, per se, but I’m all in this year. I want to see Jokic raise the trophy