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Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell has won the NBPA's Leadfer of the New School award, as it was announced on various social media platforms.
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One of the many new Players Voice categories, the Leader of the New School award honors “the rookie who rose to the occasion and proved they are a star in the making.”
Mitchell’s latest honor is part of the 2018 Players’ Voice Awards, which are voted on by the players.
In his first season with the Jazz, Donovan Mitchell finished averaging 20.5 points, 3.7 rebounds 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers per game. He shouldered an even bigger load during the postseason, averaging 24.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.3 three-pointers in 37.4 minutes per game.
Mitchell took the NBA by storm this season, as the 13th overall 2017 NBA Draft pick arguably gave the 2016 first overall selection, Ben Simmons, a run for his money in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
In fact, he spent a decent part of the season campaigning to win the award. He would call Simmons not a true rookie, among other things. He also believes the shock and awe factor help him in the regard.
“What I have done this season is a little different than most people,” Donovan Mitchell told EuroHoops when asked why he should be the Rookie of the Year, “And the biggest thing that helps me is that no one expected it, I didn’t expect it. So the element of “surprise” will be on my side.”
The Rookie of the Year would be a nice award for Mitchell, but Jazz fans just have to be happy that they appear to have a bright future with the guard donning their favorite team's uniform.