Jazz Need the 2018 Version of Donovan Mitchell

The Jazz need Donovan Mitchell to dig deep into the past if they're going to survive the Mavs.

A hobbled Donovan Mitchell approaches the podium with a limp. He had injured his left leg in Game 5, and the fifth-seeded Utah Jazz were bounced from the playoffs by a superior team from Texas.

But Mitchell is upbeat.

As he sits down, a reporter asks about his goals. The first answer out of his mouth is quick.

“I want to be defensive player of the year,” Mitchell says. 

He’s then asked about the team, its camaraderie, and what makes the Utah Jazz special. 

“We got guys who are selfless," he said. "No one cares who scores, who shoots. We’re really focused on winning, finding any way to win.”

A question is posed to Mitchell about the pressure of being the face of an NBA franchise. He comments that he’s done a good job at adjusting mentally to that role, but also tips his cap to Rudy Gobert. 

“I feel like Rudy is (the face of the team). It’s his team," Mitchell says. "He’s been here the longest. I have a lot to learn from him.”

Before pushing away from the table, Mitchell adds, “I’m not satisfied with winning a championship. After we win one, I want to win two.”

The sun had set on the NBA playoffs for Utah, but Salt Lake City is optimistic about the future.

As we pull back on this scene, we see the year is 2018, and despite the defeat, the rookie guard has a twinkle in his eye and a hop in his staggered step.

Four years later, the tone and body language of the Jazz superstar has undergone a complete 180 (or as Karl Malone once said, a “360”). Is Mitchell willing to stick around when things get tough? 

Can Mitchell be the hero that Gordon Hayward couldn’t? The hero Deron Williams couldn’t?

National pundits have already placed Mitchell in a New York Knicks jersey, playing for his hometown team. Whether the Jazz season ends on Thursday night with Game 6 or later this spring, what Mitchell says and how he says it will mean everything to Jazz fans.

The world is watching.

Where have you gone, 2018 Donovan Mitchell? Jazz nation turns its lonely eyes to you as the team fights to stay alive in Round 1 of the Western Conference Playoffs.

Jazz vs. Mavericks Game 6 tips Thursday night. 

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Follow Brad on Twitter @zonniebuckets.