Conley, Mitchell Enjoyed Off-Season Bonding Time

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Jazz fans were all a flutter this off-season when they saw pictures on Mike Conley’s Instagram feed that he and Donovan Mitchell were working out together.

“They posted enough about it,” Joe Ingles said with a laugh during the Utah Jazz media day.

But Conley said his runs with Donovan were good times.

“It was my first time being with him,” said Conley. “So just being able to spend time with him and work on the game that we love. And kind of send a message that we are getting ready for the year was pretty cool.”

“I think the first thing you can learn from is his leadership skills,” said Mitchell when asked what he can pick up from the veteran. “He’s a guy that goes at his own pace. That’s something I’m starting to learn…and it’s not all about scoring, he’s great at finding guys who are open. I think it will be a little bit easier for me to find guys.”

Mitchell said it’s great just being around Conley, even though the point guard moves at his own pace.  Conley shared a mutual love for Mitchell.

“(Donovan is so selfless)…he can take over games…To be in a corner and watch it happen would be fun.”

Both guys already have the game plan down when it comes to team expectations.

“Obviously our ultimate goal is to win a championship, but we aren’t fooling ourselves (to think) that we have been there and done that. We’re going to come in every day and try to maximize each day,” said Conley.

“The biggest thing for us…is just focusing on what we can do. Control what we can control,” said Mitchell. “We have to start over. We have 8 new guys. We have to start from scratch. We have a platform, we have a base, but we’ve can build from that…I don’t think there is anyone in the locker room that says we are this (or that) in the West…I think you set yourself up for failure if you look too far ahead. The biggest thing is starting with tomorrow.”

And that’s when Mitchell and Conley will finally get to see if they can start to become a dynamic duo.