USA Today via Reuters
Jan 4, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) waves to fans during a timeout in the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 4, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) waves to fans during a timeout in the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Donovan Mitchell got the best of both world’s last night by playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers against his former team, the Utah Jazz at the Vivint Arena. It seemed like everyone was rooting for Mitchell. He returned to the Utah Jazz for the first time since his trade to the Cavaliers. He had an overwhelmingly positive reception with Jazz fans roaring for their former best player. His name was also introduced among applause and cheers.
What was the cherry on the cake was that there was a notable and “sweet interaction” between the 3x NBA All-Star and a long-time fan. Following this, the NBA Twitter was taken by the moment. One fan wrote, “You have me in tears again“.
What was the fan moment?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Donovan Mitchell shared on social media about a young fan named Josh, who had apparently waited for the star player outside the Vivint Arena at every game for the past 5 years. The NBA fans shared in this heartwarming moment.
You have me in tears again. We loved you in Utah. Rip it up in Cleveland. Get that chip!
— Sydney (@sydala) January 11, 2023
We all miss you Donovan. I wish that it could’ve/would’ve worked out for the old crew. Y’all were great and I’m glad you were able to play here.
— Kyle Chaffin (@TheRealRooster1) January 11, 2023
This is SO sweet
— Rae Ackerman (@RaeAck13) January 11, 2023
https://twitter.com/DrakeMarques1/status/1613258875230384128?s=20&t=B7o3qBSKigzmxOkVPjvo-A
Donovan is and always has been a man of the people. Enormous W. pic.twitter.com/XoWhn5DfCg
— NicTrixYT ••••X (@NicTrixYT) January 11, 2023
Along with the clip, he wrote, “My guy Josh has been waiting for me at the arena every game for 5 years!! My first time seeing him since I got traded? it?s moments like these that last forever! Missed you, Josh!”
The video displayed the young fan who was so happy to be in such close proximity to Mitchell, Josh couldn’t help but tear up. He rushed to Donovan Mitchell, hugged him tightly, and seemingly did not want to let go.
Utah Jazz fans aplenty for Donovan Mitchell
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ryan Smith, the owner of the Utah Jazz, spoke about Mitchell. “Once a Jazzman, always a Jazzman. We honor the amazing five seasons Donovan gave the Jazz and the incredible contributions he made to the Utah community“. Smith added that Mitchell was part of the Jazz legacy, despite not wearing the team’s jersey anymore.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 8, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Jazz social media team put up a tribute in his honor and lauded him for “uniting Jazz fans everywhere“. He was drafted to the franchise in 2017 and quickly became one of the best players in the league. As per NBA, “His accolades are inarguable, as he is one of only two players from his draft class to be named an All-Star in three of their first five seasons“.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: After 71 Point Heroic, Donovan Mitchell Joins Elite 3-Man List
In his Utah Jazz tenure, he averaged 23.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.
