Donovan Mitchell & Grayson Allen; Duo UofL fans never knew they needed

With the addition of a former Louisville basketball nemesis, Donovan Mitchell fans may have to do the unthinkable and cheer for problem child Grayson Allen.

The Utah Jazz made a bold decision when they drafted often-controversial Duke Blue Devil Grayson Allen with the 21st pick in the 2018 NBA draft. However, that decision appears to be paying huge dividends before the season has begun. Allen joined forces with a Jazz team that has a mixture of veterans and talented young guys. But one budding relationship that Louisville fans never would have expected to form is between Donovan Mitchell and Allen.

Allen, who was involved in a number of controversial plays in college, had a cloud cast over an otherwise spectacular four year career at Duke. Fans and media alike recognize his talent on the court (14 points, 3 assists over his career), but doubts still remain as to whether or not he can keep his cool as his career moves forward.

Enter Donovan Mitchell and the rest of the Utah Jazz. One of the most likable teams last year featured an incredible season from Mitchell- the rookie out of Louisville- Rudy Gobert (defensive POY), and a resurgence from veteran point guard Ricky Rubio.

Mitchell had his own run-ins with Allen during their college days. First, Allen intentionally tripped up Mitchell’s teammate Ray Spalding in a game in 2016.

The next time the two teams met, Allen and Mitchell were matched up against each other for the entirety of the game. Things got more than chippy a few times, leading to Mitchell giving Allen a little love tap to the face.

Things were certainly contentious between Allen and Mitchell where they left off last on the court, but things seemed to take a turn for the better this summer.

When Allen was drafted, Mitchell was the first player to greet him and conduct interviews alongside him. Although many Louisville fans were iffy about Allen joining forces with their most beloved alumnus in the league, Mitchell made it clear that Allen’s past antics were behind them.

The NBA can be a fresh start for Allen, and it’s apparent that Mitchell sees that. Allen said that he’s ready for that fresh start and appreciates Mitchell’s leadership- even as the younger of the two players.

“It’s awesome to get his support, because I obviously haven’t met many guys on the Utah Jazz,” Allen said in June. “When their leading scorer- and really the guy who had the ball in his hands the most from last year- comes and congratulates you and welcomes you right when you put the hat on, it feels good. I already feel welcomed in Utah. I’m really excited to get to work there.”

Now, as teammates playing together in the preseason, Allen and Mitchell are already meshing. The Jazz’s starting five is as solid as any in the league, but Allen has the skill set to be one of the first guys off the bench as the two, or as a small three guard.

As recently as four months ago, Louisville fans had every reason to be annoyed by Grayson Allen and his shenanigans. But, Allen uniting forces with our beloved hero gives us reason to try to see the good in him.

There’s no reason that Allen should be anything but an asset for the Jazz when the season begins on October 17th.

It is a scenario many would never have expected, but because of Donovan Mitchell and this Utah Jazz team, Grayson Allen could become a likable guy in the NBA.