Today, we know Donovan Mitchell as one of the biggest names in the NBA and the leader of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But years ago, he was an upstart NBA prospect trying to make an impact and earn his way into the league.
Speaking with Tidal League, Mitchell talked about the moment that “put him on the map.”
Mitchell agrees that the Elite 24 Dunk Content in the summer of 2014 was when people started to notice him.
He said that the group of young men he played with in that special event were one-of-a-kind and talented and he is so grateful he got to be a part of it.
What game put Donovan Mitchell on the map?
(Via: Run Your Race) pic.twitter.com/wGjaNf5onR
— Tidal League (@TidalLeague) December 5, 2023
The Elite 24 Dunk Contest was held in New York City in August 2014.
It was a chance for several young talents to show off what they had and impress the sold-out crowd.
Mitchell played against young men like Derrick Jones, Josh Jackson, Kwe Parker, and others.
He became the star of the show when he pulled off a wild dunk that got people talking and then just a day later, he created another massive dunk in the All-Star game.
Many basketball experts already had their eyes on Mitchell but that weekend exposed him to so many more.
He was clearly on a path to the NBA and the Elite 24 event confirmed that.
Just a couple of years later, he would make his NBA debut playing for the Utah Jazz before eventually making his way to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he is now.
Mitchell isn’t known to make as many dunks these days but true fans of the game and the player remember the ground-shaking moment that started it all years ago.
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