Donovan Mitchell Reveals How Utah Fans Were "Draining"

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Cleveland Cavaliers v Dallas Mavericks
Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball as Dorian Finney-Smith #10 of the Dallas Mavericks defends in the first half at American Airlines Center on December 14, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Donovan Mitchell went through a lot in Utah.

Donovan Mitchell is currently thriving on the Cleveland Cavaliers. There have been some growing pains along the way, however, it is clear that Mitchell is in a better place. The Cavs have room to grow into the best team in the East, and he is definitely the future of the franchise.

Mitchell is coming from a situation in Utah that was detrimental to his growth. Alongside Rudy Gobert, it was becoming quite clear that the duo couldn't contend with the upper echelon of teams out West. Additionally, the Jazz seemingly had a rebuild in mind.

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is fouled by Tre Jones #33 of the San Antonio Spurs as he drives to the basket in the first half at AT&T Center on December 12, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

Recently, Mitchell spoke to Marc J. Spears of Andscape about his transition from Utah to Cleveland. During this conversation, Mitchell was open and honest about how Jazz fans were exhausting to deal with. He felt like many of them didn't respect him as a black man and that he feels much happier and safer in Cleveland. Overall, it's easy to empathize with Mitchell as Jazz fans have a less-than-stellar reputation.

Donovan Mitchell Speaks His Mind

"It’s no secret there’s a lot of stuff that I dealt with being in Utah off the floor," Mitchell said. "If I’m being honest with you, I never really said this, but it was draining. It was just draining on my energy just because you can’t sit in your room and cheer for me and then do all these different things. I’m not saying specifically every fan, but I just feel like it was a lot of things. A [Utah] state senator [Stuart Adams] saying I need to get educated on my own Black history. Seeing Black kids getting bullied because of their skin color. Seeing a little girl [Isabella Tichenor] hang herself because she’s being bullied.

“Man, it was just one thing after another. And I will say, it’s not the only place it happens. But for me, I’m continuing to be an advocate for [racial equality] and to receive the amount of pushback I got over the years, it was a lot.”

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers lies on the floor after his last second shot against the San Antonio did not go in at AT&T Center on December 12, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

Now, Mitchell is in a much friendlier environment, which will set him at ease from week to week. The worst feeling as a player is to think the fanbase hates you, and now, Mitchell will not have to worry about that.

Let us know what you think of Mitchell's honesty, in the comments below. Also, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from the NBA world.

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About The Author
Alexander Cole is the current Managing Editor of HotNewHipHop. He started at HotNewHipHop back in 2018 where he began as a Sports and Sneakers writer. During this time, he has shown an expertise in Air Jordans, Yeezys, and all things that have to do with Nike. His favorite kicks are the Air Jordan 1 High OG, the Air Jordan 4, the Air Jordan 6, and the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 in the "Beluga 2.0" colorway. Although his collection might not be the biggest, he is always looking to add new styles to it. When it comes to sports, Alex has a particular interest in the NBA and the NFL. His favorite teams are anywhere LeBron goes, and the Kansas City Chiefs. As a Montrealer, the Montreal Canadiens hold a special place in his heart, even if they haven't won the Stanley Cup in his lifetime. Alex also works for the Concordia Stingers, where he provides play-by-play and color commentary for the football, hockey, and basketball teams His favorite hip-hop artists are Kendrick Lamar, Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, and Lil Uzi Vert.
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