The most important player on each and every NBA team this season

By Ti Windisch | Aug 28, 2018

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defended by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MAY 06: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts to his basket in the second half during Game Four of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on May 6, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Rockets beat the Jazz 100-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

Utah Jazz — Donovan Mitchell

The Utah Jazz were understandably heartbroken after losing Gordon Hayward last summer. The Jazz seemed like a team that was one more impact player away from competing with just about anybody in the Western Conference, and then they lost their offensive engine. Talk about a setback.

Instead of giving up, the Jazz made a move that will alter the NBA landscape significantly, for decades. Utah gave up solid big man Trey Lyles for the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, which they used on Donovan Mitchell.

Mitchell may not have been the Rookie of the Year, but what he was able to do was rejuvenate the Jazz in a way that seemed impossible. Mitchell was a legitimate superstar in the postseason after his great regular season, and he led the Jazz to the second round in his first taste of the playoffs.

It will be thrilling to see what he can do in subsequent attempts as he grows his game. Mitchell’s offensive bag of tricks seems to hold as much as Saint Nick’s does around Christmastime, as he can score in any way he wants to. Mitchell had no trouble filleting Paul George and finishing around Steven Adams’ in the Jazz’ series victory over the Thunder last year.

Rudy Gobert is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, but he doesn’t have as much impact in Utah as his young teammate does. Donovan Mitchell is certainly the most important Jazzman, and he seems poised to be one of the NBA’s most important players during his career.

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