“Donovan Mitchell is a great basketball ambassador”: Jazz All Star receives NBA Cares Community Assist Award after pledging $12 million in scholarships

Donovan Mitchell has been awarded the NBA Cares Community Assist award for his sizeable scholarship donations and voice for social justice.

The Jazz star was one of the most active player leaders of the BLM protests. In the wake of George Floyd’s death, Mitchell was one of those NBA players who took to the streets. The likes of Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown also had significant roles in the protest.

During the bubble as well, Mitchell refused to take his eye off the proverbial ball in terms of social justice. He used his 57-point performance in Game 1 against the Nuggets to make another statement for racial equality.

Congratulations to our own @spidadmitchell on winning the offseason @NBACares community assist award presented by Kaiser Permanente 🖤https://t.co/D4zLWDT06d pic.twitter.com/qiB6wHmWXb

— utahjazz (@utahjazz) January 29, 2021

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Donovan Mitchell vows to continue supporting the community to the best of his abilities

Donovan Mitchell made the following statement after receiving the award celebrating philanthropy by players:

“I’m honored to receive the NBA Community Assist Award. We, as athletes, have a responsibility to do our part to give back to our communities and raise the bar for the next generation.”

“Not too long ago I was one of those kids that looked up to professional athletes, and I recognize how blessed I am to be in this position to give back to the multiple communities that have contributed to my growth not only as an athlete but as a person. My goal is to continue to inspire and encourage youth, from coast to coast with an emphasis on the importance of education.”

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The award honors Mitchell’s efforts between the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, including a $12 million pledge to Greenwich Country Day School

Spida has become one of the most prominent voices for social justice around the league. When Mitchell speaks, people perk their ears up and listen. The Jazz guard is among the few players who’s unafraid to take on Twitter trolls when the occasion calls for it. Above all, he keeps his tone civil while commenting on inequality and social injustice – equanimity is a major part of reform.