Can he surpass Malone's scoring record (2nd only to Kareem) or Stockton's unreachable assists numbers?
Will Donovan Mitchell surpass Stockton/Malone careers with the Jazz?
- Thread starter oneye
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Can he surpass Malone's scoring record (2nd only to Kareem) or Stockton's unreachable assists numbers?
I think he can if we end up in the finals again a time or two, and certainly if he wins a championship.
The asterisk is certainly what you said. If he doesn’t win a championship in the next 6 years, but if he just leaves in 6 years, and I’m not saying he will, obviously he won’t be. I get it, we’ve seen one season and have no idea what lies ahead, just wondering what people think, it’s summer.
I don’t think he has to break their records to surpass them. It’s not all about stats. No one will ever approach Stockton’s assists record, nor his steals record. DM probably won’t approach scoring records because he’s a 6’3” extremely athletic guard and will likely have a shorter “prime” than that of someone bigger who relies less on athleticism. If he has the largest impact on this fan base and organization of any individual player ever, I think he does pass them. A championship certainly puts him there IMO.
Another question, how many seasons would he have to play here to even have his number retired? And at what level? Donovan’s certainly got more momentum to be loved than any player here ever so quickly, but it will certainly depend on how things go over the next 6 years and what comes after that.
The thought of this question is a lot tbh. Stockton and Malone were first ballot hall of farmers with individual records and accomplishments that will never be touched. What John and Karl was pretty amazing and truly two accomplished/amazing careers to look back on. I think we all kind of want to think that’s where Mitchell is heading and even believe it could happen. The fact it’s a thought, is a special kind of player to have.
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My post was to answer 'what if he never wins a Championship?'. If he wins surpasses them easily. If he doesn't, then he has to make the Finals more than once because Malone and Stockton at least did that.
He certainly has to get to the finals a couple times yes. The more I think deeper about this the more I realize it’s a mountain of a task to top Stockton and Malone.
John Stockton is tough to surpass. 19 years is a long time to be a boss. Which he was. 51.5% from the field... 48.4 from three... insane assist to turnover ratio and a defensive pest. The ultimate loyal team player. Though after one season Mitchell's attitude, work-ethic and desire to win is really wonderful. The question is will he keep it up? We shall see!
I only gave yes and no as options for a reason, it’s an opinion, of course we aren’t sure.
If he plays 12 years here, it’s likely he plays his career here. In 12 years Donovan will be 34. Donovan won’t age as well as Stockton or Malone IMO, his game relies a ton on athleticism and quickness.
As for the 7-8 year thing, if he delivers a championship, he still has to be up there, but I’m with you, if you bolt the second you get a chance, I’m not with that, a title isn’t everything. Someone like KD, who has won cheap championships, just isn’t the same as a body of work that Stockton and Malone put on for 2 decades..... but if you had the choice would you choose 7-8 years and a title, or 15 years and no title by a great career here? I might as well take this hypothetical thread to the max.
SoUjazzfan
Well-Known Member
I just pray we are still having this discussion a decade from now. (Meaning he's still here.) That will be the catalyst for me.
Engorged On Unborn Gore
Well-Known Member
S & M's stats are monolithic. Mitchell doesn't need to chase those records to surpass them in the hearts of Jazz fans.
If he gets the Jazz the ol' golden globe, that would seal it. The victory, the parade, and the trophy would become indelible Jazz images of things that Stockton and Malone never were.
If he gets the Jazz the ol' golden globe, that would seal it. The victory, the parade, and the trophy would become indelible Jazz images of things that Stockton and Malone never were.
IMO, a championship would be pretty monumental. If brought a ring to SLC and stayed 8-10 years, he would reach the legendary ranks of Malone, Stock, Sloan, etc.
The longevity of those guys is untouchable, though. Not sure he'd surpass them, I think he would just be revered in a different yet equally powerful way.
The longevity of those guys is untouchable, though. Not sure he'd surpass them, I think he would just be revered in a different yet equally powerful way.
Alright this post is good. The thought of Donovan holding and kissing an NBA title in a Jazz uniform would be an image that would surpass any the franchise has ever had. The thought of it, is some deep feels. It has to happen.