NBA Champion and Utah Jazz Assistant Coach Jason Terry offers his unique perspective on the league’s top talent, from the explosive scoring of Donovan Mitchell to the unmatched, point-guard skills of reigning MVP Nikola Jokić.
Donovan Mitchell: Explosive Scorer and D-Wade 2.0
Jason Terry is a major fan of Donovan Mitchell, pointing to a combination of elite athleticism and three-level scoring that separates him from the pack.
“His ability to score and create is what sets himself apart,” Terry stated. “He can score 30, 40 or even 50 points on any given night; he’s so explosive, he’s a dynamic scorer.”
Terry, a former combo guard, sees a crucial and “underrated” element to Mitchell’s game in his versatility. “The underrated part of his game is his ability to facilitate,” Terry noted. “Not only being a shooting guard but being able to play BOTH guard positions; something that I’ve grown accustomed to in my playing career… it’s a deadly combination.”
The comparison to Dwyane Wade is “very similar,” according to Terry, especially in their size, stature, and their “ability to get to the rim and score in the paint.” While Mitchell may have an edge on the perimeter over early-career Wade, Terry believes Mitchell’s defensive growth will make the comparison complete.
“Defensively is an area where Donovan’s going to grow,” Terry predicted. He sees Mitchell becoming a similar weak-side shot-blocker and disrupter, concluding that if he “takes that next step, that sets him in a whole another tier of players in our league.”
The Will to Win: Nowitzki vs. Jokić
Discussing great leaders who command respect through their game rather than their voice, Terry drew a line between his former teammate Dirk Nowitzki and Nikola Jokić.
“Definitely there’s some similarity in their competitiveness and their will to win; their ability to make everyone around them better,” Terry said. He categorized them both as players who are “guys that lead by example, they lead by the work that they put in and then they go out and dominate on the floor.”
However, Terry reserved special reverence for “The Joker’s” unique skillset, especially one he witnessed firsthand in workouts.
“Nikola Jokić is just so special man,” Terry emphasized. “Watching him up close and personal this year in workouts and when they play 5-on-5, he was RUNNING the point!“
Terry expressed amazement at the physical combination: “You’re talking about a guy that’s 7-feet plus, 250-60 plus lbs, getting up and down moving with the swiftness of a point guard, with the high basketball IQ ability of a point guard, it was just phenomenal to watch at that size and stature and weight to play the game. We just have not seen THAT!“
Ainge’s Experience and Personal Touch
Terry also shared insights on his current boss, Utah Jazz CEO of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge, highlighting the personal connection Ainge cultivates.
“You love his experience and his basketball acumen; obviously, he’s a champion and then he’s just very personable,” Terry said. “When you talk to Danny you understand that it’s more than basketball to him. He cares for you as a person.”
Terry recalled his time playing for the Boston Celtics, where Ainge was the General Manager: “I remember many a nights on the back of that bus… that he and I would just sit back there and chop it up not only about basketball and different players and personnel but about life.” Terry believes this genuine, caring relationship is “one of a kind” and essential for a young developing coach.
