Donovan Mitchell and his new backcourt mate, Mike Conley, got a chance to work out together for a couple of days during the summer. That might have helped them get a jumpstart on things in training camp. On Day 3 of camp, Mitchell said he feels like he is already in sync with his new point guard.
“I love it,” Mitchell said after Thursday’s practice. “Mike’s a guy I try to learn as much as I can from. We’re gelling a lot faster than I anticipated. Just with his knowledge of the game, the names are different but the schemes are the same. He’s giving me feedback on certain things, how to slow myself down, how to find guys. It’s going well.”
Jazz coach Quin Snyder agreed.
“I think that happens when you want to mesh,” he said. “You’re looking for opportunities, you’re communicating. It’s really two guys that want to help each other.”
Mitchell on Thursday also spoke with reporters about his goals for this season, training camp standouts, Bojan Bogdanovic’s game, and setting the tone for his teammates.
Efficiency Report
One of Mitchell’s big goals this season is to be a more efficient player—but he’s not simply focusing on his field goal percentage.
“Shot-making is a huge part of it,” he said. “But not turning the ball over goes into that. Slowing down goes into that. Being patient is one of the big things I’ve focused on.”
Mitchell believes a full offseason of drills and skill work mixed with game experience in the crowded half-court sets of international basketball have him primed for this season.
“There’s less space [in FIBA] and it’s harder to do,” he said. “So when you get back to the NBA game, it’s a lot easier.”
Setting the Tone
Mitchell has come into camp in game shape after spending two months playing with Team USA. Instead of wanting rest, the Jazz guard wants to use that to elevate his teammates.
“The biggest thing for me is setting the tone,” he said. “Obviously I’m coming into camp in much better shape than the past two years, understanding I may have a little more energy because I have been playing all summer. So just being able to set that tone, especially on the defensive end, that’s been the biggest approach with me being able to stay sharp.”
Camp Standouts
A few players have surprised Mitchell early on.
“I didn’t know Miye [Oni] was that athletic,” Mitchell said. “Bojan’s been coming along. Royce has been phenomenal. Joe’s still old. Rudy’s been really good.”
Mitchell said he especially expects a jump from Royce O’Neale this year.
“We all know his defensive abilities, but offensively he’s really become a player,” Mitchell said. “He’s a guy that can make plays, make reads.”
Bogey in the Corner
Conley isn’t the only new face with whom Mitchell is quickly developing rapport. The Jazz guard said he has been very impressed with free-agent signing Bojan Bogdanovic so far.
“I make the joke that [he] just shoots 90 percent from 3,” Mitchell said. “When I’m in transition, he’s the first guy I’m looking for. Him and Joe. When you see those guys, defenses spread. So maybe next time I’m driving, or Mike’s driving or Rudy’s in the lane.”
New Colorway
Adidas has released a handful of new looks for Mitchell’s D.O.N. Issue #1s so far. At practice on Thursday, the guard was wearing a purple colorway. The sneaker is an homage to the Jazz of the 1990s and features a stamp tribute to Karl Malone, the Mailman himself.