Rookie Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz is going to replace Orlando Magic’s Aaron Gordon in the upcoming NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest. Gordon, 2016’s Slam Dunk Contest runner-up, had to withdraw himself from the competition due to a hip injury. Mitchell will now go against Dallas Mavericks’ rookie Dennis Smith Jr., Indiana Pacers’ guard Victor Oladipo and Los Angeles Lakers’ forward Larry Nance Jr. for the prestigious title of NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion.
“When I found out, I was excited,” – said Mitchell to the reporters on Monday. “I have a couple of ideas. I’ve been googling YouTube and watching old dunk contests. I’m definitely excited to participate.“
Donovan Mitchell caught everyone’s attention this season with impressive performances for the Jazz. He has been averaging 19.7 points, 3.5 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game so far and established himself as one of the top Rookie of the Year candidates. He also added two 40 point performances in the process.
Mitchell played college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals, averaging 15.6 points, 2.7 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game in his sophomore season. He entered the 2017 NBA Draft, where he was taken by Denver Nuggets with the 13th overall pick. On the draft night, Nuggets traded Mitchell to the Utah Jazz in exchange for a 24th pick and Trey Lyles. In the game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2017 NBA Summer League, Mitchell immediately showed promise by dropping 37 points, more than any rookie in that year’s summer league. During the course of the season, he has also broken several records including Karl Malone’s record for most 20+ games for a rookie with 19.
