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Update: Donovan Mitchell commits to USA Men’s Basketball for 2020 Olympics

Donovan Mitchell is among four to verbally commit to play in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

Basketball: USA Basketball Men’s National Team Exhibition -Spain at USA Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

After participating in the FIBA World Cup with Team USA, Donovan Mitchell has verbally committed early to playing for Team USA in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, according to KSL. After some issues with players withdrawing from the team at the last moment, this early commitment will increase the likelihood that those decision-makers—who got to observe Donovan’s loyalty and leadership firsthand this summer—will extend an invite his way.

Over 8 games, Donovan was a leader of Team USA, averaging 13.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. He led the team in +/- with +12, and shot an impressive 40.5% from behind the arc on 5.2 attempts per game. He also led the team in minutes played, showing some level of favor from the coaches.

In addition to Donovan, the players who have already committed to the 2020 Olympics are Damian Lillard, Steph Curry, and Draymond Green.

If Donovan makes the cut for the Olympic team, this will be the first Utah Jazz player to participate in the Olympics since Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer in 2008. Gordon Hayward, who was extended an invite, withdrew from the 2016 Olympics due to ‘family obligations’.

Team USA has won the gold medal for Men’s Basketball in six out of the seven previous Summer Olympic Games.