The Utah Jazz overachieved after losing Gordon Hayward in the offseason, getting a gem in the NBA Draft in Donovan Mitchell, who carried this team to the Western Conference semifinals.
And while the Houston Rockets; a team which beat the Jazz 4-1 to move on to the Western Conference Finals, was beaten by the eventual champion Golden State Warriors, Mitchell noted it was only motivation to improve.
“We just have to find ways to get better,” said Mitchell, who averaged 20.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 79 regular season games, according to The Inquirer.
Yet if that wasn't enough, he made his pitch to recruit one of the biggest free agents of this 2018 class in Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George.
“I’ll make (my pitch) Paul George right now,” said Mitchell. “We want to win, we’re not selfish. If he comes in, it’s gonna make life a lot easier on the offensive end. He’s also a great defender.”
LeBron James remains the biggest fish in free agency waters, but Mitchell would rather outstage The King, than have him join his team.
“Would I want to [play with him]? Who wouldn’t?” Mitchell asked. “But if I had a choice on playing [with] him or beating him, I’d rather beat him.”
Bold words from a rookie, but one who has garnered the respect of many NBA players during a groundbreaking 2017-18 campaign.
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