The Utah Jazz are largely where they are today thanks to the incredible ascent of Donovan Mitchell. After losing Gordon Hayward in the offseason of 2017, most thought the Jazz would have a hard time matching the previous year’s success. Instead, the rookie Mitchell instantly began shouldering Utah’s scoring load and became their most prolific offensive player. Following an incredible rookie season, hopes were high for Donovan that he could be even better in year two.
Unfortunately, a lingering toe injury that he suffered during the second-round matchup against the Houston Rockets in 2018 and delayed his offseason work caused him to get off to a slow start in his second season as a pro.