Donovan Mitchell continues to get brownie points from Team USA players and coaching staff as the FIBA World Cup gets underway in China. This time, Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton heaped praise on the Utah Jazz guard.
In an interview with Brian Windhorst of ESPN, Middleton expressed how Mitchell stepped up in a time that there are no big players suiting up for USA Basketball, noting the Jazz guard's maturity that betrays his age.
“He's wise beyond his years I feel like,” said Middleton, the team's other All-Star besides Walker. “He wants to elevate the players around him.”
Mitchell's mindset coming into the game is understandable. There are no clear stars to lead the USA, and their absence makes the team seem weaker in the public's eyes. The shrinking of the player pool also made things difficult for Popovich and the rest of the coaching staff to finalize the roster immediately.
However, the team has performed well in their tune-up games under Gregg Popovich. Should they win it without any of the NBA's brightest stars, the value of all the Team USA players is sure to increase.
Mitchell's stock in the USA and China — the biggest market for basketball outside the US — will also skyrocket. Not only is he considered the best all-around player in the squad, but he also brings some much-needed leadership to the team.
Mitchell's focus is on helping Team USA win the gold and defend their title. Regardless, eyes will be on him as he tries to lead the Americans to World Cup glory.
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