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For Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, the idea of moving to a big market team with hopes of winning a championship is an overrated move. For the 22-year-old, a small market team is equally capable of winning a ring.
Per Michael Scotto of The Athletic, Mitchell believes that it's not about how big of a market a team is — but what the team brings to the table. He mentioned the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Oklahoma City Thunder — small market teams who are playoff contenders.
Article Continues Below“I don’t think you have to have a big market to win a championship. I think it’s all about what your team brings.
I don’t think you really need a big market in order to be competitive. To be honest, I think it’s kind of overrated at times. I think the things that are precious to small market teams I think that’s what’s special and creates that culture, especially that we have in the locker room. Like I said, it takes one or two more pieces to get there.”
The general understanding among outsiders is that a big market team attracts free agents — especially the elite ones. After all, major cities generally have a more robust economy, more infrastructure, and thus — more things to do. And players don't just play for the city they represent. They actually live there.
In addition, bigger market teams can afford to go over the luxury tax. They don't mind paying a hefty sum if it means adding another elite player to their roster. And history says that if a team is serious about winning, then they have to pay extra. Small market teams don't have this leverage.
Given these facts and assumptions, it seems that bigger teams have an advantage in terms of money. But from Mitchell's perspective, a small market team creates a special culture and intimacy. And this alone can attract that one player who can change the whole organization.
