How Donovan Mitchell Uses Growth Mindset to Continually Raise His Level of Performance
Utah Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell on his Growth and Mentality to become a Great Player
In 2018 shortly before the start of his 2nd NBA season, Donovan Mitchell sat down with JJ Reddick to discuss his Rookie year, the weaknesses he sees when he watches his film, his rookie moment against Russell Westbrook, and his desire to earn the same level of respect that Kobe Bryant had.
I enjoyed this interview because it gives a really good insight into a player that is becoming one of the best players in the league, and the ability to see inside his mind a little as he was just becoming a big-time player in the NBA.
Here are a few takeaways from this interview:
Cool Moments from his NBA Rookie Season
Down-to-Earth Owners of the NBA’s Utah Jazz
The Millers, owners of the Utah Jazz, picked Donovan up from the airport when he was drafted by Utah.
His “Welcome to the NBA” Moment Playing Russell Westbrook
He had watched his highlights so much, he felt like he knew him. Told him “nice play” after one sequence in the game and Westbrook said “Who the fuck you talking to?”
That interaction changed his mindset from the 1st time they played each other.
Focus on Getting Better and Gradual Improvement in his Game
How Coaches Prepared him to Continually Improve his Level of Performance
Through his rookie year, coaches kept preparing him to continually step his game up. In January or February is when he finally realized he was a significant piece to the team.
Film Study and Knowing the Areas he Needs to Improve
He’s a big film guy. He sees a lot of his weaknesses, especially in the playoff series from his rookie season when they lost to Houston.
Knows he needs to bring his turnovers down, play better on defense. Be in better shape. Make more difficult shots.
“Mentally, I’ve seen a lot in my first year, but this is going to be a gradual adjustment and improvement. I want to pick it up a lot more. I want to be a different player from last year.”
Mitchell’s Growth Mindset to be the Next Great NBA Player
Donovan Mitchell’s Mindset on Winning NBA Rookie of the Year
“I’m not trying to be the best out of 60 rookies. I’m trying to be the best in whole league” - Donovan Mitchell
Self-Awareness: Modeling his basketball game after Dwayne Wade, not LeBrown James
“I can’t model my game after LeBron, he’s 6’8” 280 pounds. But I can model my game after Dwayne Wade.”
“4th Year Player Mentality”
“I’m not thinking like a 2nd year player. I’m thinking like a 4th year player mentally.”
Looking up to Positive Role Models
Earning the Same Level of Respect Kobe Bryant Had
“I want the same level of respect Kobe had. I want to earn it.”
“Mentally, I’ve seen a lot in my first year, but this is going to be a gradual adjustment and improvement. I want to pick it up a lot more. I want to be a different player from last year.”
The Positive Influence of his Mother
Mother made him miss a game in 8th grade to memorize a speech for class.
She’s a teacher at his high school and helps keep him grounded. It allows him to understand the impact he can have on his community.
