Utah Jazz shooting guard Donovan Mitchell thinks he can take another step forward on the defensive end for Team USA.
Because USA has so many talented scorers, Mitchell won't have to focus on scoring the ball like he does with the Jazz. The high-flyer, eager to become an elite two-way player, wants to impact the game on the defensive end of the floor more.
Article Continues Below“The biggest thing is doing good things on the defensive end,” Mitchell said, via The Salt Lake Tribune. “Offensively, things will come and get figured out. Defensively, I think that’s where I can take another step forward. “
Donovan Mitchell has already established himself as one of the best young scorers in the NBA in his first two seasons with the Jazz. To become a more polished player, Mitchell has to become a better defender and he's ready to take the necessary steps in order to become a high-level perimeter defender.
Mitchell averaged 23.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists last season for Utah while shooting 43.2 percent from the field, 36.2 percent from beyond the arc and 80.6 percent from the free-throw line. Offense has never been an issue for Mitchell, so he doesn't have to focus on that part of his game for Team USA.
The Jazz are projected to be title contenders next season after they acquired point guard Mike Conley from the Memphis Grizzlies. If Mitchell can turn himself into an All-NBA-caliber defender, Utah would have three elite defenders in Conley, Rudy Gobert and Mitchell.