Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell continues to use the NBA spotlight to elevate others while also opening up about what representation means to him on the league’s biggest stage.
A few days after the Cleveland Cavaliers faced Mitchell’s former team, the Utah Jazz, the All-Star guard made sure the postgame conversation centered on someone else. Despite Cleveland suffering a surprising 123–112 loss Monday night, Mitchell used the moment to praise Jazz guard Keyonte George after one of the best performances of his young career.
George erupted for 32 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, shooting efficiently from the field and knocking down all 12 of his free throws, KSL Sports reports. He poured in 25 points after halftime to wipe out an eight-point Cavaliers lead and swing the game.
“I really want to highlight the Jazz, they came in there and outplayed us,” Mitchell said after the loss.
Mitchell finished with 21 points, three rebounds, and two assists, but he made it clear who stood out most.
“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.”
That endorsement carried extra weight given Mitchell’s own path in Utah, where he earned his first All-Star nod in his third season with numbers that closely mirror George’s current rise.
Donovan Mitchell Opens Up About All-Star Goals
While Mitchell has no shortage of praise for the league’s next generation, he also remains honest about his own All-Star aspirations. In an interview with Andscape, Mitchell discussed the competitiveness of All-Star voting and how closely he tracks where he stands.
He explained that this season feels different, noting that outside of his first year, this is the closest he has been to securing a starting spot. Mitchell described battling for the fifth Eastern Conference guard position alongside Jaylen Brown, acknowledging the high level of play required to even be in that conversation.
For Mitchell, individual recognition still ties directly to team success. He emphasized that winning games drives everything else, from All-Star consideration to respect from fans and media alike.
“You win games, you’re in these situations,” Mitchell said, adding that leadership and consistency remain his focus as the season progresses.
Why the World Team Matters to Mitchell
Beyond starting nods and voting totals, Mitchell revealed a deeper goal that goes beyond the traditional All-Star framework. He said he wants to represent the World team rather than the American squad, a desire rooted in his family history.
“I do think I should be on the [NBA All-Star] World team,” Mitchell said. “But I don’t think people look at me as like a Panamanian basketball player. But I do.”
Mitchell explained that playing for the World team would allow him to honor his Panamanian heritage and show love to a community that means a great deal to him. While he made it clear he would accept any outcome, he said the opportunity would carry special significance.
His connection to Panama traces back to his grandmother, whose journey continues to shape his perspective.
“My grandmother being from Panama, she came over here on a boat. No plan, no money,” Mitchell said. “And two generations later here we are.”
Mitchell credited her resilience as the foundation for everything his family has built, noting that her sacrifice created the legacy he now carries. Representing those roots on an international All-Star stage would be more than symbolic, it would be personal.
As Mitchell balances leadership in Cleveland, support for rising stars, and his own All-Star push, his comments offered a reminder that for some players, recognition is about more than accolades. Sometimes, it is about honoring where you come from and who helped get you there.