Donovan Mitchell To Join Broadcast During Rising Stars Challenge

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Donovan Mitchell is headed to All-Star Weekend, but making his debut in Sunday night’s All-Star game won’t be his only obligation to the NBA during his time in Chicago.

Mitchell told KSL Sports he will also provide commentary for the Rising Stars Challenge pitting the best first and second-year players in the league against one another. The rosters are split up between American born players representing Team USA, and the international representing the World roster.

The third-year Utah Jazz guard is no rookie when it comes to providing commentary for league events. Mitchell previously filled in as an interviewer at the 2018 NBA Draft, interviewed players from both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors during the 2018 NBA Finals and added commentary to the broadcast during the 2019 NBA Dunk Contest.

Donovan Mitchell discusses what he’s most excited for this All-Star weekend… and what he’s least excited for. pic.twitter.com/HHDVboWYlo

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 12, 2020

Mitchell will be joined in the All-Star game by Jazz teammate Rudy Gobert, also making his debut at the league’s star-studded event. Both players were selected in the All-Star Draft by Milwaukee Bucks Forward and team captain Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Rising Stars Challenge will take place Friday night on TNT at 9 p.m. ET on TNT and ESPN Radio in the United States.

Preparing For The All-Star Game

Despite having to face the Miami Heat before heading to Chicago for the game, Mitchell said he’s excited for the busy weekend ahead.

“I’m not looking forward to the weather,” Mitchell said of the projected sub-zero Illinois forecast but is excited for the game itself, “Just hearing my name called, going on the stage.”

After the game, Mitchell will focus on getting away from basketball before making the stretch run over the final 28 games of the season.

“Quite frankly staying away from some of your teammates, I don’t mean that in a negative way,” Mitchell said of his post-All-Star game plans, “Staying away from teammates, coaches, family, just taking time for yourself.”

While Mitchell will use his time off to find alone time, Gobert plans on bringing a group of his loved ones to Chicago with him. The French center is brining his brother, sister, mother, and his niece to the game.”

It's now official! Congratulations to @rudygobert27 for making the 2020 NBA All-Star team!https://t.co/Nxf7svtBsn pic.twitter.com/rkzunaH0TN

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) January 31, 2020

Though Gobert will be joined by his close family in Chicago, like Mitchell, he plans to find time for himself after the game.

“[I’ll ] get some downtime by myself somewhere sunny,” Gobert said, “Get a little tan, I lost my tan.”

The NBA All-Star Game is Sunday Night at 8 p.m. ET on TNT.