Spida Mitchell, That Is…
The Amazing Spider-Man is one of the most beloved superheroes of the last 50 years. With hundreds of comics, scores of cartoons, and several live action films, we’ve all come to appreciate and expect the greatness of Spider-Man.
Donovan Mitchell, Utah’s own “Friendly, Neighborhood” Spida, has brought a frenzy to the Utah basketball landscape. Children and adults alike marvel at his abilities both on and off the court.
High Expectations for Spida
In his rookie season, Spida Mitchell tallied 20.5 pts, 3.7 rbs, and 3.7 asts on 50.6% eFG with a 16.7 Player Efficiency Rating. Only 18 other players from last year’s season achieved similar or superior production.
But just as expectations mounted for Spider-Man in the early days of crime solving, Donovan faces expectations during his sophomore season that loom as large as the mountains we love.
A lackluster, three game start to the season had fans and media personnel flustered and looking for answers. Had Donovan lost a step? What was going on? Why couldn’t he make shots? Why did he look so rusty? The questions felt legitimate and the answer, increasingly more daunting.
Spider-Man faced many adversaries throughout his rise to super hero status, each presenting unique challenges in different situations. Every duel began with marginal success as Spider-Man struggled to identify his opponents’ weakness. However, it was only a matter of time.
The Return of Spida
Since his slow start to the season, Donovan has come alive and reminded us fans just what a Spida can do. Following Utah’s loss to Memphis, Donovan is averaging 26.7 pts, 2.7 rbs, and 5.7 asts on 63.9% eFG.
He’s looking every bit the Spida Mitchell we knew and loved last year…and Jazz fans should expect plenty more!
Spider-Man inherited abilities and powers from day one, no doubt. But he also developed skills and talents over time that facilitated his rise to superhero. Superstardom is clearly up ahead for Mitchell but there’s plenty of improvement and development ahead. All signs point to him being well on his way.
One skill Donovan had yet to master during his rookie season was shooting pull-up three-point shots, of which he only made 29.3%. Through six games this season Donovan has shown remarkable progress, converting on 40.6% of his pull-up three-point attempts.
He was a master at converting shots at the rim. He averaged five attempts per game on 61.7% as a rookie. Mitchell hasn’t let his foot off the gas; he has continued to improve that percentage and currently sits at 76.7% on the same number of attempts per game.
Look Out For Spida
Donovan, like his super hero comparison, Spider-Man, will have his ups and downs. He will likely pass through another rough patch this very year.
Jazz fans can, however, count on Spida’s faith in himself to learn and improve. Do we, his fans, have the same faith in him?
There were time when Spider-Man needed the citizens of New York as much as they needed him. We owe our superstar, Spida Mitchell, the support he need to get through the good and the bad.
If Donovan has taught Jazz fans anything this year, it’s that you can’t hold him down for too long. Sooner or later, you better look out for Spida!
To see more Utah Jazz content from Adam Bushman, visit JabberJazz.com or follow @Jabber_Jazz on Twitter!
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