Mitchell Will Be Hard To Replace On, Off Court For Jazz
Sep 1, 2022, 5:18 PM
Donovan Mitchell meets Pleasant Grove teen victim of targeted vandalism. (Photo: Ben Anderson, KSL Sports)
(Photo: Ben Anderson, KSL Sports)
SALT LAKE CITY – The blockbuster trade sending Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers will leave a glaring hole for the Jazz and the state of Utah.
While Mitchell’s 25.9 points, 5.3 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and high-flying dunks at the rim will be the first thing to go, his bright personality and willingness to help those in need will also be lost.
In five seasons with the Jazz Mitchell evolved from a late lottery pick who made himself a community favorite by showing up at neighborhood pool parties and attending games at our local colleges, to a voice for those in need in the community.
Donovan Mitchell has been named a finalist for the @NBA Community Assist Award for his numerous charitable contributions this season.
Learn how you can vote for him here. #TakeNote https://t.co/3RVtwK3mSe
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) June 8, 2021
Mitchell’s charitable work during his time in Utah was astounding, including his eye-opening $12 million donation to the Greenwich Country Day School.
The donation was used to build a scholarship fund for students hoping to attend the school, provide supplies for the school’s teachers, and to build a new gym.
The All-Star guard also showed his charitable nature in Utah when he committed to helping students in the Granite School District continue to get lunches free of charge while they were out of class during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mitchell was named the NBA Cares Community Assist Award winner for the 2020 offseason because of his numerous charitable donations during his time in Utah.
Thank you does not begin to express our appreciation for NBA superstar Donovan Mitchell @spidadmitchell '12, his family, and their pledge of $12 million, the largest single pledge of support to the school in the history of the institution. Read more: https://t.co/Kso80BpMEd pic.twitter.com/jsbWAk0ZTP
— Greenwich Country Day School (@gcdstigers) December 4, 2020
In addition to his charitable work, Mitchell also showed a willingness to fight for causes he believed in while a member of the Jazz.
The guard was vocal in his support for social justice after members of the Minneapolis Police Department killed George Floyd in 2020.
The son of an educator, Mitchell also spoke out about the importance of teaching students about African American history in Utah’s schools.
Beyond his social justice advocacy, he was an ally for the youth of all ages in Utah. The guard routinely gave away the shoes he wore in warm-ups to fans who showed up early to watch him before Jazz games.
Donovan Mitchell caught up with Luc Holdaway, the teen from Pleasant Grove High School who has been victimized by bullying.
The @UtahJazz are hosting Luc, his family and friends as a VIP against the Timberwolves. #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/vzKO78CvF6
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 19, 2019
Mitchell also met with the families of Isabella Faith Tichenor who lost her life after falling victim to bullying and invited Luc Holdaway to sit courtside at a game after he was bullied in school.
Ultimately, Mitchell’s absence will be felt immediately when the Jazz retake the court early next month. However, his impact on the community will be felt long after he gives away his last pair of shoes to a lucky fan, and will be harder to replace than his production on the floor.
