Donovan Mitchell: Keyonte George ‘Deserves’ All-Star Nod
Jan 12, 2026, 9:01 PM | Updated: Jan 14, 2026, 11:35 am
Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Former Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell says Keyonte George deserves to be an All-Star this year.
Mitchell’s praise came after the Jazz handed the Cavaliers a surprising 123-112 loss on Monday night.
Related: Keyonte George Carries Jazz Past Donovan Mitchell, Cavs
Donovan Mitchell Thinks Keyonte George Deserves All-Star Bid
George had one of his best outings of the season in Cleveland, recording 32 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, while shooting 8-16 from the floor, 4-8 from three, and 12-12 from the free-throw line.
The third-year Jazz man scored 25 points in the second half to erase an eight-point Cavaliers lead.
“I really want to highlight the Jazz, they came in there and outplayed us,” Mitchell said.
Donovan Mitchell on Keyonte George:
“I really want to highlight the Jazz. They outplayed us. I’m excited to see his progress. It’s amazing to see, I’m happy for him. He’s playing at an All Star level and should be an All Star.”
pic.twitter.com/bCaN5euE8T— ¹⁰ (@HoodiGarland) January 13, 2026
Mitchell scored 21 points in the loss, adding three rebounds and two assists, shooting 7-18 from the floor and 4-9 from three.
“It started with Keyonte George, who deserves to be an All-Star,” Mitchell said. “A young fella that I know personally, and I am excited to see his progress just from last year to this year.”
Mitchell Knows What It Takes To Be An All-Star
Mitchell’s endorsement of George is particularly meaningful considering his history with the Jazz.
The guard was named to his first All-Star game in year three in Utah, with strikingly similar numbers to George.
Keyonte George continues to keep pace with Donovan Mitchell’s All-Star caliber third season in Utah. pic.twitter.com/gmTtzpMDSP
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) January 13, 2026
Mitchell averaged 24.0 points to George’s 23.6, while George edges the former Jazzman in assists and shooting percentages across the board.
The key difference between the two players was team success, with Mitchell leading the Jazz to a 44-28 season, while this year’s team sits at 14-25.
In five seasons with the Jazz, Mitchell averaged 23.9 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds while the team never failed to qualify for the postseason.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.
