Utah Jazz sophomore guard Donovan Mitchell set the league ablaze during his rookie season, placing second in Rookie of the Year voting and winning the 2018 Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend.
He will not be defending his Dunk Contest title in 2019, Mitchell explained to Eric Woodyard of the Deseret News:
“I loved doing the dunk contest last year and it was a ton of fun, but I also know it takes a lot of focus, practice and preparation,” Mitchell told the Deseret News. “Right now, my mind is really on helping my team make a deep run (in the) second half of the season. I’m excited though for the weekend, I’m going to be able to be a part of some great events.”
Mitchell will likely be invited to participate in the Rising Stars challenge.
Mitchell took home the Dunk Contest title last year with a dunk that was an homage to Vince Carter, the oldest active player in the NBA and one of the greatest dunkers ever.
