Donovan Mitchell is a professional basketball player who has made a name for himself in the NBA as a two-time All-Star. He was selected in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft, where he was picked 13th overall by the Denver Nuggets.
The significance of being picked 13th overall in the NBA draft lies in the fact that this position is often considered a crucial turning point in a player’s career. It can determine the trajectory of a player’s future, as well as the level of recognition and success they attain.
In this blog, we will explore the reasons why Donovan Mitchell was picked 13th overall in the 2017 NBA draft.
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Why Was Donovan Mitchell Picked at 13?
Donovan Mitchell was picked 13th overall in the 2017 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets. However, he was later traded to the Utah Jazz for Trey Lyles and the 24th pick (Tyler Lydon). Mitchell was considered a talented player with good athleticism, a strong competitive spirit and the ability to score.
He had a strong college career, playing for the Louisville Cardinals, where he earned first-team all-conference honors in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Despite being picked 13th, Mitchell proved to be a valuable player, elevating himself to a two-time All-Star and a leading superstar for the Utah Jazz in just four seasons.
College Career
Donovan Mitchell’s college basketball career was spent playing for the Louisville Cardinals. During his time in college, Mitchell made a name for himself as a talented player with a strong competitive spirit and a scoring ability that set him apart from others.
Accomplishments and Awards
During his college career, Mitchell earned first-team all-conference honors in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He was also recognized for his impressive play, earning several awards and accolades for his performance on the court. Mitchell’s college career was a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport, and it set the stage for his future success in the NBA.
How College Career Prepared Him for the NBA
Mitchell’s college career provided him with valuable experience and opportunities to develop his skills and refine his game. He was able to play against some of the best college basketball players in the country, which allowed him to compete at a high level and improve his abilities.
Furthermore, his time in college also allowed him to build relationships with his coaches and teammates, which helped him to develop a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie. These experiences, combined with his natural talent and drive, prepared Mitchell well for his future in the NBA.
Donovan Mitchell’s college basketball career was a critical chapter in his journey to the NBA. Through his hard work and dedication, he was able to develop his skills and refine his game, earning numerous awards and recognition along the way. This set the stage for his future success as a professional basketball player, and it proved that Mitchell was a player to watch in the years to come.
Skills and Attributes
Donovan Mitchell’s athleticism, competitive spirit, and scoring ability are just a few of the skills and attributes that set him apart from other players in the NBA. These traits have contributed greatly to his success and have played a significant role in why he was picked 13th overall in the 2017 NBA draft.
Athleticism
Mitchell is known for his exceptional athleticism, which allows him to play with speed, quickness, and agility on the court. He has the ability to make quick cuts, jump high, and run the floor with ease, making him a difficult player to defend against. This athleticism also makes him a threat in transition, as he can finish strong at the rim or hit a jump shot from the perimeter.
Competitive Spirit
Mitchell has a strong competitive spirit that drives him to be the best player he can be. He is a fierce competitor who never gives up and always strives to improve. His competitiveness is evident in his play on the court, where he is constantly pushing himself to be better and make the big plays when his team needs them most.
Scoring Ability
Mitchell is a prolific scorer, known for his ability to create offense and put up points. He has a smooth shooting touch and can score from anywhere on the court. He also has a strong drive to the basket, which allows him to get to the free-throw line and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Contribution to Draft Position
These skills and attributes, along with his impressive college career, contributed greatly to Mitchell’s draft position. He was considered a valuable player who had the potential to make an immediate impact in the NBA. Teams were eager to draft a player with his athleticism, competitiveness, and scoring ability, and the Denver Nuggets ultimately selected him 13th overall.
Donovan Mitchell’s athleticism, competitive spirit, and scoring ability are just a few of the traits that make him a special player in the NBA. These skills and attributes, along with his impressive college career, contributed greatly to his draft position and have played a significant role in his success as a professional basketball player.
The 2017 NBA Draft
The 2017 NBA draft was a historic event in the world of basketball, featuring some of the best young talent from around the world. It was a crucial moment for many players, as it would determine the direction of their professional careers. Donovan Mitchell was one of the many players selected in this draft, and his selection would have a significant impact on his future in the NBA.
Overview of the 2017 NBA Draft
The 2017 NBA draft was held on June 22, 2017, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. It was the first draft to feature two players from the same college being selected with the first two overall picks, as Markelle Fultz was selected first by the Philadelphia 76ers, followed by Lonzo Ball, who was selected second by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Selection Process
The selection process for the NBA draft is determined by the reverse order of the final regular-season standings. Teams that did not make the playoffs are given priority, and the team with the worst record gets the first overall pick. The process continues until all teams have made their selection.
Other Players Selected in the First Round
In addition to Mitchell, several other notable players were selected in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft. This included Markelle Fultz (1st overall), Lonzo Ball (2nd overall), Jayson Tatum (3rd overall), De’Aaron Fox (5th overall), and Jonathan Isaac (6th overall), among others.
Determining Mitchell’s Draft Position
Donovan Mitchell’s draft position was determined based on his impressive college career, as well as his skills and attributes as a player. He was considered a valuable player with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NBA. With the 13th overall pick, the Denver Nuggets selected him, recognizing the potential he had to be a star in the league.
the 2017 NBA draft was a historic event that would shape the careers of many young players, including Donovan Mitchell. His draft position was determined based on his impressive college career, skills, and attributes, and he went on to become a two-time All-Star and a valuable player for the Utah Jazz.
Traded to the Utah Jazz
Donovan Mitchell was originally drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the 2017 NBA draft, but he was soon traded to the Utah Jazz. This trade would have a significant impact on Mitchell’s career and would prove to be a good decision for both teams involved.
Overview of the Trade
The trade between the Denver Nuggets and the Utah Jazz was a significant moment in Mitchell’s career. The Nuggets selected Mitchell with the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, but he was soon traded to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Trey Lyles and the 24th overall pick (Tyler Lydon).
Why the Utah Jazz Traded for Mitchell
The Utah Jazz traded for Mitchell because they recognized the potential he had to be a star in the league. They saw his impressive college career and his skills and attributes as a player and believed that he could make an immediate impact for their team. The Jazz were looking for a player who could provide scoring and athleticism, and they believed that Mitchell fit that role perfectly.
Impact on Mitchell’s Career
The trade to the Utah Jazz had a significant impact on Donovan Mitchell’s career. He was given the opportunity to play for a team that believed in his potential and gave him the chance to showcase his skills on the court. Mitchell was able to develop into a star player for the Jazz, earning multiple All-Star selections and becoming a fan favorite in Utah.
Why the Trade was a Good Decision
The trade between the Denver Nuggets and the Utah Jazz was considered a good decision for several reasons. First, it allowed the Jazz to acquire a talented young player who they believed could make an immediate impact.
Second, it allowed Mitchell to play for a team that believed in his potential and gave him the opportunity to develop into a star player. Finally, it allowed the Nuggets to acquire valuable assets in exchange for Mitchell, including Trey Lyles and the 24th overall pick.
the trade between the Denver Nuggets and the Utah Jazz was a significant moment in Donovan Mitchell’s career. It allowed him to play for a team that believed in his potential and gave him the opportunity to develop into a star player. The trade was considered a good decision for both teams involved and had a significant impact on Mitchell’s career, making it a memorable moment in NBA history.
Donovan Mitchell’s Career Milestones
Year | Milestone | Explanation |
---|---|---|
2017 | Drafted 13th Overall | Donovan Mitchell was selected 13th overall in the 2017 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets, but was soon traded to the Utah Jazz. This was a significant moment in his career, as it allowed him to play for a team that believed in his potential and gave him the opportunity to showcase his skills. |
2018 | NBA Debut | On October 24, 2018, Donovan Mitchell made his NBA debut with the Utah Jazz. He scored a season-high 38 points in a 100–89 win over the Houston Rockets. This was an impressive performance that showcased his scoring ability and athleticism. |
2019 | First All-Star Selection | On February 22, 2019, Donovan Mitchell was selected to play in the NBA All-Star Game for the first time in his career. This was a significant accomplishment that recognized his talent and hard work as a player. |
2020 | Second All-Star Selection | On February 16, 2020, Donovan Mitchell was selected to play in the NBA All-Star Game for the second time in his career. This was a further recognition of his talent and success as a player. |
2021 | All-NBA Third Team | In 2021, Donovan Mitchell was named to the All-NBA Third Team, recognizing him as one of the top players in the league. This was a significant accomplishment that showcased his talent and impact as a player. |
Donovan Mitchell’s career has been characterized by a series of significant milestones that have helped to establish him as one of the top players in the NBA. His draft position, All-Star selections, and recognition as one of the best players in the league are just a few of the achievements that have helped to define his career. Mitchell continues to work hard and improve as a player, and there is no doubt that he will continue to be a major force in the league for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Donovan Mitchell’s college basketball experience like?
Donovan Mitchell played college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals, where he had an impressive career. He was a standout player on the team, earning first-team all-conference honors in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Mitchell’s college career was characterized by his athleticism, competitive spirit, and scoring ability. These skills and attributes helped him to stand out and make a name for himself, which ultimately led to his selection in the NBA draft.
How did Donovan Mitchell’s high school athletic career influence his college and professional basketball career
Donovan Mitchell’s high school athletic career played a significant role in shaping his college and professional basketball career. He attended Canterbury School in New Milford, Connecticut, where he played both basketball and baseball.
Mitchell’s high school baseball career ended after incurring an injury, but he continued to develop his skills as a basketball player. This experience taught him the importance of perseverance and hard work, which he would carry with him throughout his college and professional careers.
What was Donovan Mitchell’s role on the Utah Jazz when he was first traded to the team?
When Donovan Mitchell was first traded to the Utah Jazz, he was expected to be a valuable player who could contribute to the team in a variety of ways. He was known for his athleticism, competitive spirit, and scoring ability, and the Jazz believed that he had the potential to make an immediate impact. Mitchell’s role on the team was to provide scoring and athleticism, and he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players on the roster.
What impact did Donovan Mitchell have on the Utah Jazz when he was first traded to the team?
Donovan Mitchell had a significant impact on the Utah Jazz when he was first traded to the team. He quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players on the roster, providing scoring and athleticism.
Mitchell’s impact on the team was felt both on and off the court, as he quickly became a fan favorite in Utah. He helped to elevate the team’s level of play and was instrumental in their success over the years.
What is the future of Donovan Mitchell’s career in the NBA?
The future of Donovan Mitchell’s career in the NBA is bright. He has already established himself as one of the most exciting players in the league, earning multiple All-Star selections and becoming a fan favorite.
Mitchell continues to develop and improve, and there is no doubt that he will have a long and successful career in the NBA. He has the potential to be one of the best players in the league for years to come, and fans of the sport can expect to see many exciting performances from him in the future.
Conclusion
Donovan Mitchell was picked 13th overall in the 2017 NBA draft due to his impressive college career, skills, and attributes as a player. He was considered a valuable player with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NBA, and the Denver Nuggets selected him with the 13th overall pick.
However, he was soon traded to the Utah Jazz, where he was given the opportunity to showcase his skills and develop into a star player. Mitchell’s draft position and trade to the Jazz were significant moments in his career, as they allowed him to become a two-time All-Star and one of the most exciting players in the NBA.
His draft position and career trajectory have been significant for the league and for fans of the sport. As Mitchell continues to develop and improve, there is no doubt that he will have a bright future in the NBA and will continue to be a major force in the league for years to come.