Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview: Dec. 9 vs Utah Jazz
By Adam McGee
Jazz to watch – Donovan Mitchell
If it wasn’t for Ben Simmons‘ own impressive exploits in Philadelphia, Donovan Mitchell would already be well on track to wrapping up the Rookie of the Year race early in the season.
Mitchell has been the obvious standout from his draft class up until this point in the season, having provided the Jazz more than they could have dared to hope for in helping to plug the hole left by Gordon Hayward‘s departure.
Through 26 games, the 21-year-old is averaging 17.5 points, 3.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, while shooting 41.8 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range.
Mitchell isn’t the tallest, but possesses great length and an excellent mix of all-around skill. Mitchell can showcase his explosive athleticism with highlight reel dunks, knock down triples or show his ability to lock down opponents defensively.
It’s a tantalizing prospect for such a young and inexperienced player to look so complete this early in his career, and the Bucks should underestimate Mitchell at their own peril.