When the Denver Nuggets used the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft to select Louisville guard Donovan Mitchell—immediately trading him to the Utah Jazz on draft night for Trey Lyles and the 24th pick—few analysts predicted a multi-time All-Star career. Twelve other franchises passed on him, prioritizing perceived higher-ceiling prospects like Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Jackson. Instead of becoming a standard rotational guard, Mitchell exploded into an elite perimeter scorer, reshaping franchise timelines in both Utah and Cleveland.
Understanding why Mitchell slipped to thirteenth requires examining his collegiate profile at Louisville under Rick Pitino, where he averaged 15.6 points per game as a sophomore while showcasing high-level defensive instincts and athleticism. While scouts questioned his pure point guard skills and sub-6-foot-4 wingspan, his explosive vertical leap and relentless work ethic quickly rendered draft-night evaluations obsolete.
The 2017 Draft Context and Evaluation
Evaluators viewed Mitchell as a classic "tweener" guard coming out of the University of Louisville. He stood 6-foot-3 without shoes, possessing a 6-foot-10 wingspan that hinted at defensive upside, but his freshman and sophomore shooting percentages left scouts cautious. He shot just 40.8% from the field during his sophomore year, raising red flags regarding his half-court shot creation efficiency.
Yet, athletic testing at the NBA Draft Combine changed the narrative. Mitchell recorded a 40.5-inch max vertical leap and dominated agility drills, signaling elite physical tools for a shooting guard. Teams drafting ahead of Utah—such as the Sacramento Kings, Charlotte Hornets, and Detroit Pistons—opted for positional fits or safe floor-spacers. The Denver Nuggets originally drafted him before completing a pre-arranged trade with the Utah Jazz, a move that altered Western Conference dynamics for half a decade.
Immediate Impact and Historic Rookie Season
Mitchell didn't waste time proving his doubters wrong. Thrust into an offensive role following Gordon Hayward's departure in free agency, he immediately seized the primary scoring burden in Utah. On December 1, 2017, he poured in 41 points against the New Orleans Pelicans, breaking the franchise rookie scoring record previously held by Darrell Griffith.
By the end of the 2017-18 regular season, Mitchell averaged 20.5 points per game, breaking Damian Lillard's then-record for most three-pointers by a rookie with 186 conversions. His postseason debut pushed his trajectory into superstardom. He led the Jazz past the Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening round, averaging 28.5 points per game and outplaying veteran superstars. His historic playoff run included breaking Michael Jordan's rookie record for points through a player's first two postseason games.
Franchise Transformation: Utah to Cleveland
Mitchell's tenure in Utah established the Jazz as perennial playoff contenders in the Western Conference. Alongside center Rudy Gobert, he formed a dynamic offensive and defensive pairing that consistently won over 50 games. However, after multiple postseason exits, Utah pivoted toward a massive rebuild in the summer of 2022, trading Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In Cleveland, Mitchell elevated his game even further. He earned All-NBA First Team honors and cemented his status as one of the league's premier clutch shot-makers. Playing alongside an elite frontcourt of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Mitchell delivered historic performances, including a legendary 71-point explosion against the Chicago Bulls in January 2023, joining an exclusive club of players with 70-point games in NBA history.
Common Evaluation Mistakes in the 2017 Draft Class
Reviewing how twelve general managers passed on Mitchell offers a masterclass in modern draft evaluation pitfalls:
- Overvaluing traditional position templates: Scouts worried about whether Mitchell was a point guard or a shooting guard, ignoring the reality that positional versatility matters less than elite shot creation.
- Weighing raw college stats over developmental indicators: Mitchell's early shooting inconsistencies overshadowed his exceptional work ethic, high basketball IQ, and rapid mechanical improvements.
- Underestimating wingspan and athletic explosion: His vertical bounce and defensive motor translated instantly to the professional pace, compensating for height measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team originally drafted Donovan Mitchell?
The Denver Nuggets selected Mitchell with the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft before immediately trading his rights to the Utah Jazz.
What was the trade that sent Mitchell to the Utah Jazz?
The Jazz acquired Mitchell by sending the 24th overall pick (Tyler Lydon) and forward Trey Lyles to the Denver Nuggets on draft night.
Did Donovan Mitchell win Rookie of the Year?
No. While Mitchell finished as the runner-up for the NBA Rookie of the Year award during the 2017-18 season behind Ben Simmons, he earned unanimous selection to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and won the 2018 Slam Dunk Contest.
How many All-Star selections does Donovan Mitchell have?
Mitchell has earned multiple All-Star selections and All-NBA honors throughout his career, establishing himself as one of the premier guards in basketball.
