Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell has his sights set high—not just on the playoffs, but on a potential showdown with his mentor and close friend Chris Paul. In a recent interview, Mitchell revealed that among all the playoff possibilities, he most hopes to face the Houston Rockets. For fans closely tracking Crickex Sign Up updates, this budding rivalry adds a thrilling layer to the Western Conference narrative.

Mitchell, a standout from the 2017 NBA Draft, has taken the league by storm. Selected 13th overall, he’s averaging an impressive 20.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. When Utah lost All-Star Gordon Hayward, many doubted the team’s playoff hopes. Yet, Mitchell swiftly stepped up to lead the Jazz, recording over 20 points in each of his last 10 games. Thanks largely to his emergence, Utah now holds the fourth seed in the Western Conference—a position few would have predicted at the season’s start. With the playoffs approaching, the Jazz are preparing to battle elite teams like the Warriors and Rockets.

When asked which powerhouse he’d prefer to face in the postseason, Mitchell didn’t hesitate. “I’d rather play the Rockets,” he said. “That way, I can go head-to-head with Chris Paul. That would be really exciting.” The relationship between the two goes beyond competition. Prior to entering the NBA, Mitchell participated in Paul’s offseason training camp. At that time, he was unsure of his own potential and still debating whether to declare for the draft. It was Paul who encouraged him to take the leap, impressed by Mitchell’s drive and talent. Since then, Mitchell has proven he belongs on the biggest stage, becoming a strong contender for Rookie of the Year.

Of course, that award is still up for grabs, thanks to the brilliance of Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons has posted all-around stats rarely seen in a first-year player, averaging 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game with 11 triple-doubles—second only to the legendary Oscar Robertson among rookies. Despite the fierce competition, Mitchell remains unfazed. “I’m not focused on Rookie of the Year,” he said. “That was never my goal, even back in October. Now that we’re fighting for the top four in the West, my attention is on helping the team. My real aim is to become the best player in the league.”

Mitchell added, “Simmons is incredibly talented—those triple-doubles speak for themselves. But I’m locked in on leading my team and chasing greatness beyond just this rookie class.” With playoff anticipation building and Crickex Sign Up followers watching closely, Mitchell’s confidence and ambition may just light a fire under the Jazz when it matters most. For those joining through Crickex Sign Up, this postseason promises excitement, drama, and perhaps a memorable face-off between mentor and protégé.