Donovan Mitchell Divulges On If Jazz Should Retire His Jersey

Donovan Mitchell is currently on the Cleveland Cavaliers, however, many fans know him for his work with the Utah Jazz. Mitchell got to spend five years with the Jazz franchise before being traded in the offseason. While he never went far in the playoffs with the Jazz, he did put up incredible numbers.

Recently, Mitchell reflected on his time with Jazz with Marc J. Spears of Andscape. Mitchell was very honest about his experience, noting that he felt like Jazz fans were draining. This is mostly due to their takes on racial issues, particularly during the George Floyd protests.

Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 02, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Magic 107-96. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Donovan Mitchell Jersey Retirement

During the interview with Spears, Mitchell was asked about having his jersey retired by the Jazz. Mitchell was quick to say he doesn’t deserve it. After just five years with the team, Donovan Mitchell acknowledges he simply didn’t achieve enough.

“I don’t think I did enough,” Mitchell said. “I hold myself to a high standard. Now, other people may feel that it should. I’d be happy and forever grateful, honored and blessed for sure for that to happen. But I don’t think I’ve done enough in five years to have my jersey up there with Karl [Malone], John [Stockton], Pistol Pete [Maravich] and Darrell Griffith. I got a long way in my career to go to continue to be better.”

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks to a reporter after the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on December 06, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 115-100. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Mitchell’s take on his own career is pretty agreeable here. While he certainly made the Jazz a relevant team for five years, there is no way he could actually get his jersey retired.

Let us know what you think of Mitchell’s comments, down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news from around the NBA world.

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Donovan Mitchell Reveals How Utah Fans Were “Draining”

Donovan Mitchell is currently thriving on the Cleveland Cavaliers. There have been some growing pains along the way, however, it is clear that Mitchell is in a better place. The Cavs have room to grow into the best team in the East, and he is definitely the future of the franchise.

Mitchell is coming from a situation in Utah that was detrimental to his growth. Alongside Rudy Gobert, it was becoming quite clear that the duo couldn’t contend with the upper echelon of teams out West. Additionally, the Jazz seemingly had a rebuild in mind.

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is fouled by Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs as he drives to the basket in the first half at AT&T Center on December 12, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

Recently, Mitchell spoke to Marc J. Spears of Andscape about his transition from Utah to Cleveland. During this conversation, Mitchell was open and honest about how Jazz fans were exhausting to deal with. He felt like many of them didn’t respect him as a black man and that he feels much happier and safer in Cleveland. Overall, it’s easy to empathize with Mitchell as Jazz fans have a less-than-stellar reputation.

Donovan Mitchell Speaks His Mind

“It’s no secret there’s a lot of stuff that I dealt with being in Utah off the floor,” Mitchell said. “If I’m being honest with you, I never really said this, but it was draining. It was just draining on my energy just because you can’t sit in your room and cheer for me and then do all these different things. I’m not saying specifically every fan, but I just feel like it was a lot of things. A [Utah] state senator [Stuart Adams] saying I need to get educated on my own Black history. Seeing Black kids getting bullied because of their skin color. Seeing a little girl [Isabella Tichenor] hang herself because she’s being bullied.

“Man, it was just one thing after another. And I will say, it’s not the only place it happens. But for me, I’m continuing to be an advocate for [racial equality] and to receive the amount of pushback I got over the years, it was a lot.”

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers lies on the floor after his last second shot against the San Antonio did not go in at AT&T Center on December 12, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

Now, Mitchell is in a much friendlier environment, which will set him at ease from week to week. The worst feeling as a player is to think the fanbase hates you, and now, Mitchell will not have to worry about that.

Let us know what you think of Mitchell’s honesty, in the comments below. Also, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from the NBA world.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Donovan Mitchell Headed to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a Trade

Donovan Mitchell to Sign Max Contract with Utah Jazz in Free Agency

Donovan Mitchell is on the move. The star guard gets his wish and is out of Utah, but to the surprise of many in NBA circles, he isn’t going to the New York Knicks.

ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski reports Mitchell will join All-Star Darius Garland in the backyard of the Cleveland Cavaliers. In return, the Jazz will get forward Lauri Markkanen, rookie wing Ochai Agbaji, guard Collin Sexton, three unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027, and 2029), and two pick swaps (2026 and 2028).

In the move, Sexton has agreed to a four-year, $72 million deal to be executed through the sign-and-trade.

Mitchell now joins a Cavs roster with Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and more.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss Calls Russell Westbrook the Team’s Most ‘Consistent’ Player Last Year

Russell Westbrook Said "He Was Disappointed" That He Was Benched In Latest Lakers Loss

The Los Angeles Lakers are seemingly heading into another season with Russell Westbrook. Ahead of training camp, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss spoke with The Athletic and said Westbrook was the “best player” on the team last year but would reverse the claim.

Westbrook’s 2021-22 campaign wasn’t the most glamorous for the superstar, but Buss held him down in conversation with Sam Amick. After calling him the best player, Buss responded to a follow-up note, in which she instead cited him as the most “consistent.”

The word I should have used was ‘consistent,’” Buss shared via text. “He played 78 games last season.”

Availability was indeed Westbrook’s best ability, and he averaged 18.5 points and 7.1 assists. If he remains with the Lakers, Westbrook will be teammates with who many would consider his archnemesis in Patrick Beverley.

In the late hours of last Wednesday night, ESPN reported the Los Angeles Lakers would acquire guard Patrick Beverley from the Utah Jazz. The Lakers will send Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson to the Jazz.

Beverly is no stranger to playing in Los Angeles, having a stint with the Clippers from 2017 to 2021. This past season he played with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Early Thursday morning, Beverly hit Twitter to express his joy in going back to L.A.

Beverly is expected to help anchor a stingy Lakers defense under new head coach Darvin Ham.

Fans online immediately wondered how Patrick Beverly would align next to Russell Westbrook as the two have not been the fondest of each other over the years.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Patrick Beverly to Join Lakers in Trade From Utah Jazz

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In the late hours of Wednesday night, ESPN reported the Los Angeles Lakers would acquire guard Patrick Beverley from the Utah Jazz. The Lakers will send Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson to the Jazz.

Beverly is no stranger to playing in Los Angeles, having a stint with the Clippers from 2017 to 2021. This past season he played with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Early Thursday morning, Beverly hit Twitter to express his joy in going back to L.A.

Beverly is expected to help anchor a stingy Lakers defense under new head coach Darvin Ham.

Fans online immediately wondered how Patrick Beverly would align next to Russell Westbrook as the two have not been the fondest of each other over the years.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Utah Jazz and New York Knicks Restart Donovan Mitchell Trade Talks

Donovan Mitchell Inks $195M Extension with Utah Jazz

For the last few weeks, it’s been quiet on the Donovan Mitchell trade front. Around the start, the New York Knicks seemed to be a likely destination for Mitchell, pairing him with recent free agent signee Jalen Brunson.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Jazz and Knicks are back discussing a deal, but there currently is no traction on a deal getting done. Additional teams aiming for Mitchell include the Charlotte Hornets and the Washington Wizards.

Mitchell is said to be comfortable with staying with the Jazz or being traded. Many around the league expect the Jazz to press a restart button after trading off star center Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves in July.

In June, after former head coach Quin Snyder stepped down after eight seasons, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Mitchell is feeling “unsettled, unnerved and wondering what it means for the franchise’s future.” According to ESPN, Mitchell committed to the Jazz in part of Snyder and is “surprised and disappointed” that Snyder has left.

Donovan Mitchell has four years and $135 million left on his contract, including a player option for the final year.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Donovan Mitchell “Unsettled” with Organization After Jazz Coach Steps Down

Donovan Mitchell Inks $195M Extension with Utah Jazz

Cue all the Donovan Mitchell trade rumors for the summer. The Utah Jazz former head coach Quin Snyder stepped down after eight seasons, prompting a new feeling from the Jazz guard. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Mithcell is feeling “unsettled, unnerved and wondering what it means for the franchise’s future.”

According to ESPN, Mitchell committed to the Jazz in part of Snyder and is “surprised and disappointed” that Snyder has left.

Some analysts already poked at potential trouble with the Utah Jazz, and Mitchell specifically, after an early exit from the NBA Playoffs. That moment also highlighted the possible rift between Mitchell and Star big man Rudy Gobert.

Donovan Mitchell has four years and $135 million left on his contract, including a player option for the final year.

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