New York • Donovan Mitchell’s NBA education didn’t begin with the Jazz.
Rather, his prolonged introduction to pro hoops began at Carmelo Anthony’s house and in pick-up games around New York City.
The YouTube clips from them spawned the “hoodie Melo” craze. Mitchell was in those games, competing against some of the best in the league. There’s a video of J.R. Smith making shot after shot in a game. Mitchell was the one guarding him.
Gathering for offseason pickup games is a way for many of the NBA’s superstars to stay in shape, keep their skill sets sharp and enjoy camaraderie away from the spotlight of the league. For rookies and younger players like Mitchell, it’s a way to soak up some knowledge and test themselves against the best.
“Camelo’s been in the league, for what, 14 years?” Mitchell said. “I’m 21 years old, so that gives you some perspective. He’s been doing this for most of my life. It’s just great being a part of them. I went there all the time, whenever I was in New York.”
The only two times Mitchell missed Anthony’s scheduled games? Once when Kevin Durant and LeBron James played then when James Harden and Russell Westbrook played.
Four months later, Mitchell is still kicking himself over that.
The Jazz rookie is soaking up the experience of playing in the NBA. He talked earlier in the season about how surreal it was to be on the same floor with Westbrook, his favorite player growing up. He’s been sure to pick the brains of guys he’s playing against for the first time, like Harden and Jimmy Butler.
Over the summer, he learned focus from watching Anthony, who dealt with issues off the court with the New York Knicks before finally being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mitchell took note of Anthony’s workouts and how he was able to block out the outside world.
“It’s nice because the gym is in his house,” Mitchell said. “He’s able to get in there whenever he wanted. It’s funny — when he put on the hoodie, it was like he was a different person. It didn’t matter what he was doing, he was able to focus and get his workout done.”
More Mitchell
The rookie had 200 friends and family at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night when the Jazz lost to the Knicks. He doesn’t expect as large a crowd Friday against the Brooklyn Nets. But his sister, Jordan, will be there.
“I definitely can’t wait to see her,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell, who is from the New York area, scored 19 points in his first game ever at Madison Square Garden.
Not worried
The Jazz are 0-5 away from Vivint Smart Home Arena, the only team in the NBA without a road win. But Jazz coach Quin Snyder said he was encouraged by what he saw in Wednesday’s game.
“We improved from the Minnesota loss,” Snyder said. “For us, we’re a new and young team. I think the crowd at home helps us, and that’s not there on the road. I think there’s stuff to look at, but it’s harder to win on the road. We have to make plays and we have to execute.”