Who would’ve thought that the Utah Jazz will stand alone atop NBA at this point in time? Most fans expected either the Los Angeles Lakers or the Milwaukee Bucks to dominate the league and establish themselves as its best team throughout the regular season. Turns out, the squad from Salt Lake City has something to say about who should be in the driver’s seat this season.
The Jazz have found the recipe for success
Hot on the heels of last post-season’s elimination by the Denver Nuggets, the Jazz have accelerated towards a league-leading 25-6 record through 31 games. They’re attempting 42.5 three-point shots per game while connecting on 39% of them. This barrage from downtown has given Utah a 117.7 offensive rating, the fourth-best in the NBA. Their 107.9 defensive rating is also sufficient for the second-spot just right behind the Los Angeles Lakers.
Utah’s one-two punch combo on both ends of the court wouldn’t be possible without their key players. Rudy Gobert acts as their defensive anchor by averaging 13.5 and 2.8 blocks per game. Mike Conley orchestrates the offense by notching 5.6 dimes a night while dishing out 16.4 points. Furthermore, Jordan Clarkson, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Joe Ingles provide a huge offensive boost to get the Jazz over the hump.
How Donovan Mitchell is leading the Utah Jazz to the top
Utah’s hot start wouldn’t be possible at all without their number one option, Donovan Mitchell. Acting as the tip of the Jazz’s offensive spear, the young star leads his team by averaging 24.5 points per 33.6 minutes a game. He’s draining 38% of his shots from downtown and 83% from the free-throw line. The Spida also contributes 5.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game for a well-rounded game.
The thing that sets Mitchell above those stats right now is an unflinching resolve to prove his and the Utah Jazz’ doubters wrong. Just last month, Shaquille O’Neal came under fire for his on-air opinion about Mitchell not having enough to get to the next level. For his part, the All-star guard is adamant about winning the championship this year to silence critics.
By combining insane numbers on a nightly basis and a fiery resolve to win all, Mitchell is providing the spark to his team’s impressive showing. With numerous injuries taking several big names in the league out, Utah has a good chance to reach the big stage and get the job done in the postseason.
The state of Donovan Mitchell card value in the market
Seeing how the Jazz have kicked into high gear this season has led many to believe that they can put a good fight up in a stacked Western Conference. While Utah is outright dominating the league, the team’s success hasn’t reflected yet on Mitchell’s card prices.
Taking a look at recently ended sales on eBay, Mitchell’s PSA 10-graded Prizm rookie cards have been selling for around $550. In comparison, Jayson Tatum, the most notable competition Mitchell has in his draft class, has a higher value on the market. Tatum’s PSA 10 Prizm rookie cards have been sold recently for up to $775.
Taking a look at these numbers and you’ll end up with a conclusion that Mitchell’s stock is criminally undervalued right now. Keep in mind that the Jazz have a better shot at winning the title while the Boston Celtics are struggling mightily in the East, like the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets. Donovan Mitchell has been the straw that stirs Utah's drink, and looks poised to emerge as one of the elite players on a contending team.
The verdict on Donovan Mitchell cards
While the Utah Jazz’s success hasn’t trickled down to Mitchell’s card value, there’s a big chance it will happen anytime soon. Once the playoffs start and a clearer picture is painted on the Jazz’ chance of winning a title, the Spida’s stock will then be corrected. Plus, the postseason is also the time when card prices unexpectedly go up with each strong game or individual performance.
That’s why it’s a very good time to hoard those Donovan Mitchell rookie cards right now. They present a lot of long-term value and the promise of yielding a good return on your investment. Keep a close eye on those good deals so you can make a killing out of this All-Star guard’s cards.
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