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SALT LAKE CITY — Before Donovan Mitchell was the charismatic superstar, before he was an NBA dunk champion and before he became the face of the Utah Jazz, he was just a kid who looked wide-eyed up at his own favorite athletes.
He still remembers being that kid and how much a simple conversation with one of those players meant.
“There were days when I was younger that I was going through stuff,” Mitchell said. “When I met David Wright and talked to him, it was uplifting. It was like, ‘Ahh!’ It’s a moment that can get you (out) from whatever rock you’re under. I take that to heart."
With that as a backdrop, it's no surprise Mitchell spent time before and after Utah’s 123-115 win over Boston on Friday to talk with a family that is going through unimaginable tragedy.
Just over a week ago, North Ogden lost a mayor, the country lost a soldier and a family lost a father.
Brent Taylor, North Ogden mayor and a major in Utah's Army National Guard, was killed in Afghanistan on Nov. 3, leaving behind his wife, Jennie, and seven children ranging in age from 13 years to 11 months. Taylor was on a one-year leave of absence from his post of mayor.
“Their father went out to serve his country and gave his life for myself, Ricky (Rubio), you guys, people he didn't even know,” Mitchell said. “That just shows the type of person he is and the children he raised. To see that and to be able to give back in any way is my biggest thing. Just trying to help out in any way that I can is my biggest thing. Obviously, I can’t do everything. Little moments like that is something I take pride in.”
Moments after the @utahjazz home victory, Donovan Mitchell spent time signing autographs for fans. #ThisIsWhyWePlaypic.twitter.com/DqxhnFSQFI
— NBA (@NBA) November 10, 2018
Little moments like having the family come out onto the court during pregame shootaround and pass him the ball as he put up shots. And little moments like shaking hands, talking and signing autographs in the Vivint Arena tunnel after the game.
"I’m going to use my platform to help any way I can," Mitchell said. "If I have the opportunity, I’m going to do it for sure."
They are simple gestures, but ones, Mitchell hopes, that can help a grieving family — if only a little. And Mitchell knows from his own childhood that they are moments that can linger.
“For me, you know, kids didn’t even realize what had happened,” Mitchell said. “That’s what hit home for me. It was definitely a sad thing. They were there before the game, they passed me the ball a few times as I got some shots up. My condolences up to the entire family. I told them whenever they wanted to come to the game or whatever, just let me know, cuz that's tragic.”
