Donovan Mitchell, at just 25 years of age, is becoming a fixture at NBA All-Star Games. The star shooting guard from the Utah Jazz has earned the selection three times in his five-year career. He has been the main cog in Utah's offense for years and should be for many more.
Just a couple of hours before the 2022 All-Star game, however, Mitchell announced that he would not be able to play due to an upper respiratory illness. The Jazz star was selected as a reserve for the third consecutive year and was drafted to Team LeBron.
Statement from Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell: pic.twitter.com/jC6Rtwn5dZ
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 20, 2022
This season, Mitchell is averaging 25.7 points, 5.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds and a career-high 1.6 steals per game while shooting a career-high 45.6 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from 3-point land.
Although it is a bummer not to see one of the league's most entertaining young stars play, his health is paramount for the Jazz's success. They have the most efficient offense in the league by a significant margin and are in fourth place in the Western Conference. As the team's only 20-point scorer and one of their best playmakers, Mitchell is extremely important to the team.
As Utah contends for the Western Conference title, they will look to get Mitchell back on track once their season resumes. He missed time previously this season, though none of the 12 games he missed were because of an illness.
The Jazz will still be represented in the All-Star Game by Rudy Gobert, who is a reserve on Team Durant and was named to his third consecutive All-Star Game. The game tips off at 8:00 EST.
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