Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Donovan Mitchell

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Donovan Mitchell made an impact.

Donovan Mitchell, nicknamed "Spida", is an American professional basketball player currently with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was drafted into the NBA in 2017 and played for the Utah Jazz from 2017 to 2022. A seven-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Team member, Mitchell is a prominent figure in contemporary basketball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2015: Jordan Brand Classic Regional Game Invitation

In 2015, Donovan Mitchell was invited to play in the regional game for the Jordan Brand Classic. He committed to the University of Louisville to play college basketball.

July 5, 2017: Signed Rookie Contract with the Jazz

On July 5, 2017, Donovan Mitchell signed a four-year rookie scale contract with the Utah Jazz.

July 11, 2017: Signed Shoe Deal with Adidas and Scored 37 Points

On July 11, 2017, Donovan Mitchell signed a multi-year shoe deal with Adidas. Later that day, Mitchell scored 37 points against the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2017 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, the most by any player during the 2017 NBA Summer League.

October 18, 2017: NBA Debut

On October 18, 2017, Donovan Mitchell made his NBA debut, registering 10 points and four assists against the Denver Nuggets.

December 1, 2017: Career-High 41 Points

On December 1, 2017, Donovan Mitchell scored a career-high 41 points in a 114–108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, setting a Jazz scoring record for a rookie.

2017: Declared for the NBA Draft

In 2017, Donovan Mitchell declared for the NBA draft on the heels of his sophomore campaign, though he did not immediately hire an agent.

2017: All-Conference Honors and NBA All-Rookie Team

In 2017, Donovan Mitchell earned first-team all-conference honors in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) while playing college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals. As a rookie with the Utah Jazz, he was also named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

2017: NBA Draft and Jazz Acquisition

In 2017, Donovan Mitchell was drafted in the first round of the NBA draft and acquired by the Utah Jazz.

January 15, 2018: Surpassed Karl Malone's Franchise Record

On January 15, 2018, Donovan Mitchell surpassed Karl Malone's franchise record for most 20+ points games during a rookie season when he had his 19th 20+ point game.

February 2, 2018: Second 40-Point Game

On February 2, 2018, Donovan Mitchell recorded his second 40-point game of his rookie season against the Phoenix Suns.

February 5, 2018: NBA Slam Dunk Contest Win

On February 5, 2018, Donovan Mitchell was named as an injury replacement for the 2018 NBA Slam Dunk Contest and won the contest.

May 22, 2018: NBA All-Rookie First Team Selection

On May 22, 2018, Donovan Mitchell was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

October 24, 2018: Season-High 38 Points

On October 24, 2018, Donovan Mitchell scored a season-high 38 points in a 100–89 win over the Houston Rockets.

2018: Slam Dunk Contest Win

In 2018, Donovan Mitchell won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

January 25, 2019: First Double-Double of the Season

On January 25, 2019, Donovan Mitchell recorded his first and only double-double of the season, with 24 points and 11 assists, in a 106–102 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

October 23, 2019: Season Opening Performance

On October 23, 2019, Donovan Mitchell opened the 2019–20 season with a 32-point, 12-assist performance in a 105–95 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

January 16, 2020: Tied Career-High 46 Points

On January 16, 2020, Donovan Mitchell tied his career-high 46 points in a 138–132 overtime loss to the Pelicans.

August 17, 2020: Scored 57 Points

On August 17, 2020, Donovan Mitchell scored 57 points in a 125–135 overtime loss to the Nuggets, the third most in playoff history.

February 23, 2021: Second All-Star Selection

On February 23, 2021, Donovan Mitchell was named a Western Conference reserve for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, marking his second consecutive All-Star selection.

February 3, 2022: Third Consecutive All-Star Selection

On February 3, 2022, Donovan Mitchell was named a Western Conference reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, marking his third consecutive All-Star selection.

September 1, 2022: Traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers

On September 1, 2022, Donovan Mitchell was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2022: Trade to Cavaliers

In 2022, Donovan Mitchell was traded from the Jazz to the Cavaliers, leading Cleveland to the postseason for the first time since the 2017–18 season and the first without LeBron James since 1997–98.

January 2, 2023: Scores NBA season-high, career-high, and Cavaliers-record 71 points

On January 2, 2023, Donovan Mitchell achieved an NBA season-high, career-high, and Cavaliers-record 71 points in a 145–134 overtime victory against the Chicago Bulls. He also recorded eight rebounds and 11 assists. This was the highest-scoring game for an NBA player since 2006, and Mitchell became the seventh player in NBA history to score 70 or more points in a game, being the first to do so with at least 10 assists.

July 7, 2024: Signed contract extension with the Cavaliers

On July 7, 2024, Donovan Mitchell signed a three-year, $150.3 million contract extension with the Cavaliers.

January 25, 2025: Named Eastern Conference starter for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game

On January 25, 2025, Donovan Mitchell was named an Eastern Conference starter for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, marking his sixth consecutive selection and second as a starter.

November 5, 2025: Scored then season-high 46 points

On November 5, 2025, Donovan Mitchell scored a then season-high 46 points on 15-of-21 shooting, including 6-of-11 from three-point range, and added 8 assists, leading the Cavaliers to a 132–121 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.