Donovan Mitchell On Being Traded To The Cavs, Jazz Playoff Failures, Rudy Gobert and More

In this episode of The Old Man and The Three, we are joined by brand new Cleveland Cavalier, Donovan Mitchell. This one is truly special as Donovan opens up about past failures, rumors and that world changing evening in March 2020. But first, JJ and Tommy discuss their 'way-too-early' NBA playoff seeding predictions. Full topics include: Donovan's trade to The Cleveland Cavaliers, his expectations of going to The New York Knicks, his relationship with Rudy Gobert, his desire for The Utah Jazz to run in back with Rudy, addressing past playoff failures and how he feels he can improve upon them, playing with Darius Garland, Donovan shares the story of Rudy Gobert's Covid 19 diagnosis in March of 2020 against The Oklahoma City Thunder and what that world-changing night was truly like, his battle against Jamal Murray in 'The NBA Bubble' and so much more.
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[@probablynick8201]

Mitchell is such a classy guy. Never blames anyone else, and decides to look inward to find how he can improve. I hope he gets the respect he deserves this year.

[@HumanOptimization]

he chokes in big moments especially the playoffs.

[@dariusgarlandbf]

@@HumanOptimization huh? he’s been one of the better playoff performers in recent history

[@matthewchin6498]

facts bro said he had a bad playoffs but dropped 32, 5 and 5

[@silewis9396]

@@HumanOptimization He said himself he had bad playoffs and hasn't taken the leap he wanted to, so what? he's still done enough to get respect recently

[@Bennytree]

As a Utah Local. I loved being able to see Donovan grow and give us fans everything he did. His mom even got a card signed for my daughter after a loss one game, and then even went as far as giving us tickets to the next game and hooking us both up w a Don Jersey! What people! Thank you! And good luck in Cleveland (except for when you play the Jazz :) )

[@FROST10169]

This is dope

[@YoungBlood507]

What a guy, he’s a class act as always!

[@alexmason5521]

I think most Utah fans would agree

[@AngCatGaming13]

It's impressive how well JJ delivers difficult questions while keeping his interviewee comfortable.

[@Jitbo561]

You couldn't have possibly watched the whole interview it was just uploaded 15 minutes ago 🤨

[@adrienmanjikai6146]

@@Jitbo561 he a rider

[@etaigilat4718]

@@Jitbo561 the episode was uploaded several hours ago as a podcast as well

[@Jitbo561]

@@etaigilat4718 👌🏿

[@Donnybaskets]

Cause they know jj comes from a place of genuine curiosity whereas other media outlets just care about clicks and headlines

[@brandonwilliam2618]

I love Donovan. I moved to Utah when he started and watching the Donovan Rudy jazz got me into basketball. Hope he succeeds in Cleveland.

[@jclips4210]

You’re white

[@DirkvanBoxtel]

I swear. This podcast is therapy. For JJ. JJ if you read this; keep working through your opinions and thoughts bro. It's awesome to watch.

[@quinnmullen1086]

What do u mean

[@MooNwALKER....]

Time stamps ⏭️ 24:50 Ex team mates - nicest guys😇 and biggest a## holes 😈 26:40 New team and how the trade came about amidst some uncertainties 29:13 Keeping cool and being prepared regardless of destination 🧘🏾‍♂️ 31:03 Expectations for the young core and the Cavs ⛹️🏾 33:38 Lists teams he could have potentially ended up on 📝 34:25 The business side of basketball and when trade/move became a reality 🔄🤝🏽 36:38 Reaction to Brian Windhorst clip on First Take 🤦🏾🤣 37:08 Reaction to reports/rumours of friction between him and Rudy Gobert 😤 39:38 The public and culture's interpretation on success - breaks down how close the Jazz were 🧐 40:56 On court plays that may have highlighted friction between him and Rudy - taking some accountable 🤨 45:47 JJ's experience playing against DM and DM's emphasis on defence🔒 49:49 Evan Mobley's tenacious effort on defence and his development 📈 51:47 Being a vocal leader on the floor 🗣 53:59 Fitting alongside DG on the court this season ☯️ 56:37: DM's rookie year - playing vs 76ers and going 3 for 21 😵‍💫 57:18 Reaction to the news Rudy had covid and the whole experience at the beginning 🤯 1:05:49 Bubble basketball experience 🏀 - DM & JJ 1:08:06 Match ups with Jamal Murray and the Nuggets 🔥 1:09:35 Blowing a 3-1 series lead 😬 1:13:05 We fucked up 😕😭 1:13:57 Bringing those play-off heartbreak experiences into current situation 🔍 1:15:45 Promises and failures - how it impacted the team 😢 1:20:13 The OKC series during rookie year and what motivated him💪🏾 1:23:12 Teams' perception of DM when entering the draft 🤦🏾

[@aryasg7420]

Really appreciate it

[@Durantturla359]

Thank you

[@vickpanchal5559]

GOAT

[@osamasufian24]

Dam you got time on your hand

[@MooNwALKER....]

@@osamasufian24 nope lol. I did all that during a 4 hour drive 🚗 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@jacobwhitaker9477]

Nothing more refreshing than hearing that level of self awareness come from someone so talented. Excited to follow the rest of Donovan’s career

[@jasonjerez2455]

Like 25 minutes before the interview even starts

[@TheBenolan]

As a cavs fan it is easy to really like DM, sincere and thoughtful in every interview. Another good interview by JJ.

[@801MOTO3]

Trust me...being a jazz fan hurts without donovan. He really is a stand up humble guy. And he is really really good. Like he's different. You'll see it this season.

[@ComboBreakerHD]

I didn't get to watch much of him with the Jazz but what stands out about him is that he always confronts his demons. You can tell he's talking to himself, inner monologue, and it makes him such a good player both on the court and in life.

[@MyNameIsLegato]

Exciting time to be a Cavs fan. Let's go!

[@isaacwebb20]

#LetEmKnow

[@dearmas9068]

I agree, go Cavs!

[@jay23201]

Interview with Spida starts at 24:26

[@tateniscool]

you’re quick

[@jedkyle5873]

Good looks

[@percsie3072]

Does anyone else think it’s crazy the video title “Donovan Mitchell interview” starts with 25 minutes of not an interview with dm. Don’t get me wrong I love the jj and Tommy pods but you’d figure they would put it at the end

[@WriteWhatISee]

@@percsie3072 Your not wrong. I usually don’t mind because I always enjoy JJ’s talks but nearly 25mins in is enough to warrant a time stand to the audience.

[@supwititproductionz3738]

@@percsie3072 it takes 2 seconds to skip ahead, lol

[@johnathan2565]

Love you and Tommy’s ability to ask good, yet difficult questions. This podcast makes you realize how human athletes really are, Donovan a real one 💪. Good work, can’t wait for the next one.

[@bizzypete1993]

Love Donny! It was so tough watching him in Cavs Jersey a couple nights ago. He is a unique person and Cleveland is lucky to have him! Wishing Spida all the best.

[@baileymallchok5755]

Having watched this at damn near the end of the 2022-2023 season, 45 is everything and a million times more than what I could’ve ever expected. His humble, honest personality is that of a top tier person and player, and his game speaks for itself.🏀🧠Bright doesn’t begin to describe his and the Cavs future and as a fan I couldn’t be happier for the city of Cleveland and for the endless entertainment this team brings on and off the court!💯

[@RodMeetsWorld]

A lot of respect for Donovan after this interview. Openly discussing your greatest failures is tough for anyone and the last bit on being disliked is necessary for anyone coming up

[@xavierrc]

That Nuggets series in the bubble was insane, Murray and Mitchell going at it. It's a classic on god 🔥🙌

[@ShunTodo]

A great interview that should be viewed by NBA fans all over the world. Very impressive insights by NBA greats. Looking forward to seeing many many more to come!

[@kellanmohr9509]

wishing nothing but the best for Don, was already becoming a cavs fan with the roster they had last year so it was a win win for me. This new Jazz team is fun and high intensity and i get to watch Don on a team I already really enjoyed watching. I could see the Cavs making a solid run at the eastern conference finals.

[@thecircleclub_]

So happy and excited for Spida & DG this season! He's a great player and even better person/leader.

[@billnewman9265]

That was awesome, thanks to JJ, Tommy and D.O.N - fantastic insight and discussion

[@d3uce3306]

Love this podcast!! High level basketball conversations!

[@curtisgrindahl446]

JJ is the man and these interviews are GOLD! This is real.

[@douchemonkey44]

I'm a cavs fan and spida been my favorite player since his rookie year. No one has more heart and wants to win more. Love spida

[@BedSheetBooty]

Great interview! Thanks for the mic fix!

[@danzellsayles2555]

Love these podcasts JJ. You really get to see a different side of the players. So when I watch the games it’s more interesting.

[@JoeRitner]

Very exciting to have him in the land. Going to be a fun couple years. Such an exciting team to root for

[@yrbq11]

Keep up the amazing content guys🙏🏽💪 I love the new podcast setup 🤩

[@jacarrestanfield2287]

JJ, keep doing what y’all are doing! Favorite podcast by far

[@christianberger2559]

Literally answered every question I had about Donovan. Thank you JJ!

[@Chef_King_Curry]

That was awesome interview!! Great story, big fan of Donovan!!!

[@chikinlikin6947]

Major respect to Donavan for acknowledging he needs to be better on the defensive end it always confused me why he was a turntable in Utah when he was a respectable defender in college

[@lotuslife3239]

Westbrook was a perimeter lockdown god in college but only a little above average in the NBA. Defense truly the toughest thing to do in today's game and a guy as offensively gifted as Mitchell over the years would rather hit some 3s and dunk on ppl and get the spotlight rather than be a Pat Bev with offense backup. Lillard could probly play pretty decent defense too tbf more energetic and quicker on their feet than lets say CP3.

[@bboywolf]

@@lotuslife3239 curry plays defense and sets screens. Greatest guard since jordan

[@lotuslife3239]

@@bboywolf Curry isnt better than Kobe bum. Kobe dreamed of playing off ball but he was way too good of a player for that, woulda got easy 6 rings and dethrone Jordan if they gave Kobe the type of shooting/defending/playmaking/finishing help Curry has. He can barely play his team still wins lmao.

[@guccifromitaly9639]

@@lotuslife3239 is that why the warriors are the worst offense team of all time when curry doesn't play and one of the best when he does

[@yunan9610]

He bulks up his muscles that kind slows him down from defensive standpoint, also he's really physical on the offensive end that took some stamina

[@Ezmunny14]

Hearing about that night of when covid first hit them in OKC was so dope 🔥

[@othershi4390]

Many months later and he has continued his playoff streak and we clinched 🔥🔥 so glad he ended up a cav

[@carsondurrant5674]

The comedic timing at 30:39 is so perfect like how is his mic already fucked up the next time it cuts to him? 😂

[@DumbitDwn]

I would love if you did deeper breakdowns of the games you watched. That pelicans nets game was great and I always love jj analysis.

[@MikeP_]

Great interview and I was really impressed with Donovan Mitchell who handled himself really well while seemingly giving honest answers

[@sophies5640]

Don is a solid dude. Really like this guy. His head is in the right place. Wish him the best🙏🙏

[@jonschultz7628]

This interview made Donovan one of my favorite players.

[@Bumperump]

The last few seconds, at 1:22:28, of this interview, THAT is one of the many reasons why I've loved Donovan Mitchell from the moment he came into the league. You're absolutely right, Donovan, I too say, kudos to your parents for raising you this way!!!

[@Potatoblake21_]

Appreciate the top level podcasting JJ! 🔥🔥🔥

[@austalino]

Really miss Don. It was a special time while he was here in Utah.

[@richardviterittojr1428]

Need another one with him💯

[@kevinhinds6850]

I like these getting uploaded in the morning really early

[@Wishiwasgolfing]

One thing I would love for your KZbin videos is to put topic sections of what is being talked about in the bar. A lot of other podcasts do it and I really enjoy being able to skip to convos I really want to hear more about if I don’t have time to watch the whole thing

[@tykuresa22]

Loved DM on the Jazz, put them back on the map per sei. Miss him but best of luck in Cleveland

[@boxerpop82]

Donovan Mitchell clearly has an above average IQ. Not just in basketball but all around. His ability to articulate his thoughts really surprised me.

[@codem0de]

Great interview! Don's one of my favorite guards in the league and I'm excited to see the next chapter for him.

[@Gio-go1bp]

The set looks great keep it up JJ and team!

[@_ripVanWinkle_]

Tommy starts off every conversation with "we were talking about this earlier"

[@D1n0nlyD1v94]

I like that because it tells us that what they're talking about was thought out before and isn't off the top.

[@Ezmunny14]

Wish JJ Asked more about college. The ACC , duke games , best college moments.. so on

[@paidemic4674]

that jazz team was never going anywhere, but that cavs team he joined looks like it can be special

[@Droolncool]

I love hearing stories from the covid lockdown day. It’s wild

[@javianjohnson8746]

1:05:50 damn even Donovan thinks the Bubble was the highest level of basketball ever played. I might have to rewatch some of those 2020 playoff series now…

[@matthewcastaneda8895]

Bro did you see D Mitch’s shooting splits in the Bubble playoffs? Dude went OFF

[@drewbreezy5854]

JJs list seems spot on coming into the new season...makes sense.

[@tmc656]

Respect to Donovan

[@BUCKSINSIX69]

Appreciate the mic adjustment guys, thank you

[@percsie3072]

25 minutes into the Donovan Mitchell interview we finally get Donovan

[@shelovet0mmy]

Its called a front-of-show lol. In the past they separated it as it’s own video either the day before or day after, but it’s all in one video this season

[@thanospapas830]

Like JJ on his own isn’t enough for you ?

[@cbreezyy1234]

It’s realllly hard to press the fast forward button, on this free content..

[@quentingartside2166]

I felt like the younger guys were better in the bubble because they were the most recent AAU players but also no travel and no hype or harassment from fans.

[@djtaco2402]

Love this podcast

[@gertim6845]

This is gonna be another gem!

[@jeanm182]

I was in Utah doing a work and travel(I’m not from the US) on his rookie season, I’m a bulls fan myself but I was really pissed he didn’t win the ROY, mainly because I went to a playoffs game where he crushed Russ, Melo and PG and that is one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever been.

[@haben-alemasghedom7241]

Love the pod!

[@tyy9024]

Love the podcast but y’all forgot to mention Christian wood when talking about Dallas.. he is now their second best player. And has been a beast in the first two games so far

[@Wishiwasgolfing]

When they had him fix the mic the first time and then it shoots back to Don and it’s crooked again I almost lost it lol

[@jeromehorn7333]

Great interview!

[@SkylineRising]

Man I miss Don out here in Utah such a class act. Good luck Don!

[@adaio]

JJ shaking his head at 14:42 is sending me LOL

[@jorgeiznaga470]

great interview guys DM is a humble guy

[@him2674]

so well spoken.

[@Tylerhopkins3106]

Donavon Mitchell can tell some good stories, I remember that night in Oklahoma City when they announced that the NBA would shutdown due to the COVID situation, a friend of mine and I had tickets for one of the next home games and it ended up getting canceled, great podcast.

[@NewAgeSlaves]

Real thoughtful respect went up on Don the cavs gone be fun to watch #understatement

[@brendanlehmkuhl8509]

this is great!

[@TraapperA]

Donovan on the cavs gives him room to grow and become a leader.

[@georgeolvany6951]

JJ flexing on us all with the Augusta hat.

[@crush1221]

Great pod.

[@AnaMostafamahmoud]

I like this podcast even if I'm not a fan of the guest, i still listen to it because of JJ, he knows what's talking about, he respects the guest, also he really listens and all this comes out genuinely not fake

[@jandrashriker5861]

You know what else is money? Donovan Mitchell in a Cavs jersey!

[@MarioNotBros]

Love Donovan, I'm so sad he's not gonna be on my Knicks, but I wish him the very best

[@notacat7127]

You own the Knicks?

[@nate8604]

JJ tried to get Donovan in a “pause” moment. “HARDship”.😂😂😂😂😂

[@MynameisNemisis]

Is that a cashapp ad reflecting of don’s glasses😂

[@D1n0nlyD1v94]

Its deliberate

[@jerrysmith2354]

JJ is such apleasant host. He really knows the game and what questions to ask.

[@WJH119]

Donovan Mitchell gotta be one of the most humble nicest nba players ever

[@bencheung806]

Love the podcast. The Ad read is money but the script is not money

[@hannahrs]

as usual, this was such a great interview by JJ & Tommy! This was my third (or so??) watch/listen, & speaking as someone the same age as Donovan, he comes across incredibly mature and thoughtful, which I think is really impressive for someone who came into fame at a young age - and may be why he was labeled “too well-rounded” by NBA critics 🤦🏻‍♀️😂 (1:23:17) Regardless, loved the interview and wishing Donovan the best in Cleveland this year 🎉☺️🙏🏼

[@rakimhinds6388]

The Cavs did it the right way man. Very proud of what they’ve built. The east is going to be extremely interesting this year.

[@CarCrazy24]

Can we get a table of contents with time stamps like All the smoke? It’s so much better that way

[@Em4gdn1m]

Bubble Basketball was peak NBA no doubt.

[@juliodanielinsfran154]

1- That painting of JJ and Tommy on a boat is nice. 2- TOMMY WHAT IN THE WORLD??? Boston as the 6th seed??? Bruh you TRIPPINNN.

[@tonytooshort]

Greatest sports podcast on planet earth

[@RGS86]

Man, I was at game 6 against OKC. After that game I will always be a DM45 fan.

[@onvee1727]

Loved the first section

[@BUR6O]

lets gooo starting the morning right when i gotta paint the house 🫡

[@terrillmel]

That defensive scheme where they allowed people through the perimeter and Rudy would pick them up worked so well for a couple years. If you remember the jazz had the top defense and it wasn't that close. Too bad they're offense wasn't in full force those years. Remember as well that they're offenses the number one offense just last year.

[@OckdaGod1]

I’m a simple man. I see a Donovan interview I click it.

[@Jvegan32]

Hi Tommy & JJ!

[@HardlyCommon]

Here in Utah we know that Don is a smart guy, a great person, and an awesome player. Just makes it all the more frustrating feeling like he gave up on the team last year.

[@abisaivargas455]

i dont think he gave up. It was time for a rebuild after 6 seasons of coming up short

[@HardlyCommon]

@@abisaivargas455 I'd like to agree with you, that's just not how it felt watching him last year compared to the first 4 years

[@notacat7127]

Utah gave up on him

[@HardlyCommon]

@@notacat7127 bro I’m sorry but nobody actually believes that 😂

[@notacat7127]

@@HardlyCommon why not?

[@Madhamz]

I have to say out of all the ex nba players' podcasts, I really enjoy Tommy's contributions and questions as a non celebrity/famous person. (Cough Shaq podcast Cough) No offense intended. On the contrary, all the praises intended.

[@wallmvp4056]

I miss the end of episodes drafts hopefully they come back😂

[@A_Brion]

Don with the gold Patek 🔥🔥🔥

[@Em4gdn1m]

56:45 Good memory, it was game 11

[@jaimemitra2003]

LETS GO SPIDA!!! UP THE LAND!!!

[@sean-michaelking7476]

@ JJ what was the best Virginia public high school team you played against?