The pride of the Baltimore Ravens – Lamar Jackson. Although, according to buddy Donovan Mitchell, it wasn’t the case. Much like himself as a rookie, the Lousiville alum had quite a group of skeptics. In fact, some NFL scouts advised him to switch positions to a running back. Not to mention, being drafted with the last pick of the first round did not help his case much, either. But one injury was all it took for the table to turn.

Joining Carmelo Anthony and Kid Mero at 7PM in Brooklyn, Mitchell recounts the incident. “Lamar wasn’t Lamar,” he said, appearing to state an indisputable fact. “He was the backup. He wasn’t even a starting quarterback at Louisville!”

Hearing this now might feel weird. Jackson’s electrifying style has not only made him a Baltimore beloved but also one of the faces of the NFL. But none of this would have happened had he not taken advantage of the opportunity he got. Let’s go back to Donovan for the rest of the story.

“I forgot the guy’s name, Kyle something from Louisville [Kyle Bolin] and I never forget it. He gets hurt, throws interception, and the next thing you know Mar come in … he takes his spot in sophomore year. And I want to say it was that year he won the Heisman; just like that,” the star guard said, looking like he still can’t believe all of that happened in such a short span.

But that wasn’t all. ‘Spida’ further shared that the whole basketball team became huge fans of Lamar when he took his place as a starter. And not simply because the two struck up a friendship. “He doing s—, like he jumping over people! … Game’s at 1:00, he got the basketball team up at 6:00 am to tailgate,” the 5x All-Star hilariously recounts.

Although the pair went their separate ways in their respective fields, Jackson and Mitchell always kept in touch. Because even though the former showed he had what it takes, the transition to the professional league was daunting and came with its own set of problems. Something Mitch was going to understand very soon.

Donovan Mitchell silenced his doubters with results in his rookie season

“I’ve been doubted my whole life,” the NYC native confessed to former sideline reporter Kristen Kenney in 2018. Selected as the 13th pick overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, all Mitchell heard were doubts. A few were concerned whether he could play point guard. Others were worried that he couldn’t shoot.

A quick look at the numbers would give you the answer to that. In a breakout rookie season, Donovan Mitchell played in 79 games starting in all but eight. He averaged 20.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and assists each, while shooting a brilliant 43.7% from the field and 34.0% from the deep. And all this as he played 33.4 minutes per game. Point made.

His performance not only silenced the naysayers, but it also earned him a place in the NBA All-Rookie First Team and finished second in ROTY voting. And while he shared that the negativity pushes him to work harder, the support from his best friend also helps. The duo regularly check on each other, particularly more if it was a tough game.

“It’s constant support and love for each other,” Donovan said. Oh, to have friends like these!