Donovan Mitchell to miss All-Star Game with non-COVID illness

Jazz star Donovan Mitchell will miss Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game due to a non-COVID-related illness, the guard announced (Twitter link). Mitchell was set to appear in his third career All-Star Game.

“It is a great honor and has always been a dream of mine to be selected as an NBA All-Star,” he said. “Remorsefully, I will not be able to play in tonight’s All-Star Game due to an upper respiratory illness (non-COVID-related). 

“The entire All-Star weekend is a celebration of the basketball community, the fans and the sport I am blessed to play. I’m focused on getting well and back out on the court. Thank you for all the get-well wishes. I can’t wait to see the game later today.”

Mitchell was drafted by Team LeBron as a reserve for the game. He’s averaging 25.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists per contest this season, shooting 46% from the floor and 35% from deep. The Jazz are 36-22 largely because of his steady production.