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SALT LAKE CITY — Befitting an inept franchise amid another miserable season, media covering the New York Knicks understandably are always on the prowl looking for a story that goes beyond the latest loss.
With that in mind, it was no surprise for multiple outlets to focus on the team's apparent obsession with Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell. With the New York native in the city over the weekend, the timing was right to perpetuate the on-going rumors he longs to play for the Knicks.
Right on cue, the New York Post and Daily News each had articles on Mitchell's connection to the Knicks and city. Typical of the current state of journalism, which is more of a statement of fact rather than an editorial comment, neither story had attribution on Mitchell's potential interest in playing for New York.
The Post's piece focused on current Knicks assistant coach Johnnie Bryant, who had a similar position with the Jazz during Mitchell's first years in the NBA. Bryant, who played college basketball at Utah, met briefly after the two teams played in Salt Lake City six weeks ago.
The story said: "According to a source, Bryant is a key figure in the Knicks' long-term hopes of Mitchell tiring of playing in one of the NBA's most obscure markets in Salt Lake City."
Obscure? Come on, we've had indoor plumbing and the Internet for several years now.
Here's more hip proof — Dave Chappelle is bringing his cutting-edge style of comedy to Vivint Arena next month. And don't forget, Dwyane Wade is a part owner of the Jazz.
We're cool out yonder. Sort of, anyway.
The Daily News ran down the usual list of the reasons for Mitchell having a New York state of mind. Among them, connections included Mitchell's father working for the Mets and one of his agents out of college, Leon Rose, now serving as Knicks' president.
It said: "It's no secret around the NBA that the Knicks are monitoring Mitchell's situation with the Jazz, hoping against odds they can finagle a deal to bring the All-Star to the home of his youth. There have been rumblings of Mitchell's discontent in Utah, despite the team's success, which isn't surprising because Salt Lake City is among the least appealing markets for NBA players."
There you have it — obscure and least appealing, all wrapped up in one predictable line of thinking. No problem with stereotypes, provided they fit a certain narrative.
Need a place to dump on? Good ole backward Salt Lake City is here for you, no matter what the Jazz do to change perceptions.
Therein lies the problem — outsiders dropping in for the occasional visit making blanket statements that stick. Fair or not, it never changes.
Imagine assigning negative labels to other parts of the country. Name any major metropolitan market, particularly older cities, and criticize it for all its host of problems.
The blowback would be immediate and harsh, with community leaders rushing to its defense. But feel free to pile on the city in no-man's land.
For sure, some of it — OK, a lot? — is deserved. But we know many former players recall with fondness their time with the Jazz and living in the city.
There's got to be many reasons why the Jazz have gone 239-141 since acquiring Mitchell in a 2017 draft night trade with the Denver Nuggets. Over the same period, the Knicks are 138-235.
Eventually Mitchell, who is signed until 2026, will earn the right as a free agent to decide on his future. In the interim, he could demand a trade and essentially force his way out, as other impending free agents have done with several teams over the years.
In time, maybe the bright lights will draw him home. Then again, the outpost could suit him just fine.