History of Donovan Mitchell in Timeline

Donovan Mitchell, nicknamed "Spida", is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. He was drafted in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft and played for the Utah Jazz from 2017 to 2022. Mitchell is a six-time NBA All-Star and an All-NBA Second Team member in 2023, marking him as a significant figure in contemporary basketball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1980: Highest Rookie Scoring Output in Series-Clinching Win

In 1980, the highest scoring output by a rookie in a series-clinching win since was set before Mitchell scored 38 points in Game 6.

1981: Darrell Griffith's team-record of 38 points

In 1981, Darrell Griffith set a Jazz team-record of 38 points that Donovan Mitchell surpassed in 2017.

1995: Michael Jordan's Baseball Career

In 1995, Michael Jordan took number 45 during his baseball career and the early part of his NBA comeback. Donovan Mitchell wears the same number in appreciation of Jordan.

September 7, 1996: Donovan Mitchell Jr. Born

On September 7, 1996, Donovan Vernell Mitchell Jr. was born.

Others born on this day/year

1996: Allen Iverson

In 1996-97, Allen Iverson was the last rookie guard to notch two 40-point games before Donovan Mitchell in 2018.

1997: Cavaliers last post-season appearance without LeBron James

In the 1997-98 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers last made it to the post-season without LeBron James.

1997: Jazz Finished with Top Seed

Since the 1997-98 season, the Jazz have finished with the NBA's top seed for the first time in 2021.

2010: LeBron James Announcement

In 2010, Donovan Mitchell was present at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich (Conn.) when LeBron James announced his decision to sign with the Miami Heat.

2011: Blake Griffin scores 40 points

In 2011, Blake Griffin was the last NBA rookie to score 40 points in a game before Donovan Mitchell.

2015: Jordan Brand Classic Regional Game

In 2015, Donovan Mitchell was invited to play in the regional game for the Jordan Brand Classic.

2016: Previous 40-Point Scorers

In Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving both had 41 points. In 2022, Mitchell and LeVert had 41 points.

July 5, 2017: Signed with Utah Jazz

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

July 11, 2017: Signed with Adidas

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.

October 18, 2017: NBA Debut

On October 18, 2017, Donovan Mitchell made his NBA debut, recording 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 the Jazz scoring record for a rookie.

December 2017: Western Conference Rookie of the Month

In December 2017, Donovan Mitchell averaged 23.1 points to be named Western Conference Rookie of the Month.

2017: Declared for NBA Draft

In 2017, Donovan Mitchell declared for the NBA draft following his sophomore campaign.

2017: All-Conference and All-Rookie Honors

In 2017, Donovan Mitchell earned first-team all-conference honors in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

2017: NBA Draft and Jazz Acquisition

In 2017, Donovan Mitchell was drafted into the NBA and subsequently acquired by the Utah Jazz.

January 4, 2018: Western Conference Rookie of the Month

On January 4, 2018, Donovan Mitchell was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for December 2017.

January 15, 2018: 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

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

March 1, 2018: Western Conference Rookie of the Month

On March 1, 2018, Donovan Mitchell was named as the Western Conference Rookie of the month for the third time that season for games played in February.

May 22, 2018: NBA All-Rookie First Team

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 Slam Dunk Contest.

January 25, 2019: Double-Double

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.

March 11, 2020: COVID-19 Positive Result

On March 11, 2020, Donovan Mitchell tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the NBA suspending its season.

August 17, 2020: Playoff Scoring Record

On August 17, 2020, Donovan Mitchell scored 57 points in a playoff game against the Nuggets.

2020: Rookie Extension

During the shortened 2020 off-season, Mitchell signed a five-year rookie extension with the Jazz.

February 23, 2021: 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: 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 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 their first post-season appearance since 2017-18 and the first without LeBron James since 1997-98.

January 2, 2023: Mitchell scores 71 points

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

2023: All-NBA Second Team

In 2023, Donovan Mitchell was named to the All-NBA Second Team.

March 3, 2024: Mitchell Fractures Nose

On March 3, 2024, Donovan Mitchell fractured his nose after being hit by an elbow from teammate Tristan Thompson.

July 7, 2024: Mitchell Signs Contract Extension with Cavaliers

On July 7, 2024, Donovan Mitchell signed a contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

January 25, 2025: Mitchell Named Eastern Conference All-Star Starter

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 his second as a starter.