CLEVELAND, Ohio — Think about one thing: Donovan Mitchell, as soon as the face of the Utah Jazz, again inside Salt Lake Metropolis’s Vivint Enviornment taking part in what has grow to be All-Star Weekend’s premier occasion — the 3-Level Contest.

The NBA had the identical thought. Mitchell instructed cleveland.com lately that he obtained a 3-Level Contest invite however politely declined.

“I might’ve accomplished it had Steph (Curry) been in it this 12 months,” Mitchell instructed cleveland.com.

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Regardless of being one of many league’s premier shooters, all the time close to the highest of the single-season 3-point classes, Mitchell has participated within the occasion simply as soon as throughout his six-year NBA profession, which has included 4 All-Star appearances.

His lone displaying within the contest got here in the course of the COVID-impacted 2021 All-Star Weekend at Atlanta’s State Farm Enviornment. Making an attempt to grow to be the primary participant ever to win each the Slam Dunk Contest (2018) and 3-Level Contest, Mitchell was eradicated within the first spherical whereas Curry went on to edge Mitchell’s Jazz teammate Mike Conley for the crown.

Curry, a two-time champion of the occasion, has been out since Feb. 4 with partial tears in two lower-leg ligaments. Regardless of being chosen as a Western Convention All-Star starter, Curry might be sidelined by the All-Star break, inflicting him to overlook the upcoming festivities in Utah.

Mitchell needed an opportunity to avenge that 2021 loss and greatest Curry. Perhaps subsequent 12 months.

With Curry out and Mitchell turning down the chance to placed on a 3-point present in his outdated constructing — a spot the place he turned a multi-time All-Star and fan favourite — the NBA has reportedly picked its eight-player discipline.

Boston’s Jayson Tatum, Portland’s Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, Sacramento’s Kevin Huerter, Miami’s Tyler Herro, Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield, and Utah’s Lauri Markkanen will battle for the title on Feb. 18.

Regardless that Mitchell, sixth in made 3s this season, received’t be a part of All-Star Saturday Night time, he might be again in Utah, representing the Cavs as an Jap Convention starter for the primary time in his profession.

“You study to understand these issues as a result of they noticed me develop up,” Mitchell stated about Jazz followers when requested about going to the All-Star Recreation. “I used to be a younger child, simply glad to be drafted after which given a task to be one of many leaders on the crew early, making the playoffs, having large moments, having struggles, ups and downs, and to develop into who I’m in the present day, I’m endlessly grateful, endlessly grateful.

“To be there my first time as a starter again on the crew that I used to be a fan of as a child, there’s simply so many alternative issues you may level to and sooner or later in time, most likely Thursday or Friday, I most likely sit there and form of decompress and simply recognize the second as a result of on the finish of the day, you’ve bought to understand the little issues. That’s one thing that I’ve actually been large on this 12 months is appreciating the little issues. I’m endlessly grateful and it’ll be enjoyable.”

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