SALT LAKE CITY — Donovan Mitchell is this city personified — quiet, under the radar and on the rise.
Coming into the 2017 NBA draft, Mitchell was a widely unrecognized guard, operating behind the scenes as national experts fixated on the likes of Lonzo Ball and Markelle Fultz. But the 13th overall pick snatched the spotlight this summer, becoming one of the league's most interesting prospects.
There was a noticeable difference between Mitchell and his peers in NBA summer league — even the ones that were selected higher. Mitchell flashed elite athleticism, explosiveness and a knack for stopping the opposing team's best player.
Averaging 20.4 points during the circuit, Mitchell's production exploded for 37 points and eight steals against the Memphis Grizzlies in Las Vegas, thoroughly dominating players like Andrew Harrison and Wayne Seldon Jr. — both of whom are expected to be rotation players next season.
With the breakthrough performances came increased confidence — and recognition within the promotional world. Mitchell agreed to a shoe deal with Adidas, which also sponsors All-Star guards James Harden and Damian Lillard.
In a piece for SLAM, Mitchell spoke about his connection to Run-DMC and his affinity for the brand, stating, "When my agents and I were talking about the sneaker deal, I thought it was going to be the typical agent meeting where they promise you a shoe deal and you’re like, All right, I’m not that good, this is for guys who are big-time.
So when it happened, I was like, Wow, you were right, it did happen! It was a no-brainer going with Adidas and I’m blessed and happy to be in this position and hope to keep representing them for a long period of time.”
And once the shoe deal was signed and the exhibitions were over, Mitchell continued to work, spending time developing his skill set alongside players who've already earned their stripes in the league.
Mitchell mentioned his overnight success and committment to stay in the draft, even when some cast doubt, saying, "It’s been surreal, to be honest. I know it’s easy to say that, but it’s hard to describe.
"I worked out this past summer with Paul George and Chris Paul and they were really the ones who convinced me to keep my name in the draft. We had talks and they said, Look, you’re good enough. Just go out there and show it. [The NBA] was a thought, but I didn’t think it would happen this fast. It’s crazy to me that I’m here now.”