After the conclusion of the 2023-24 NBA season, all teams were preparing to compete for the championship in the next campaign. Some teams made significant trade agreements to strengthen their lineups with key players. However, a well-known athlete recently made an unexpected revelation about the upcoming NBA season. Donovan Mitchell, who recently opened up about his contract extension, surprised everyone by predicting the top two teams to reach the NBA Finals in 2025.
During a recent appearance on the ‘Million Dollaz Worth of Game’ show, the five-time NBA All-Star explained that the two teams that will face off in the NBA Finals of the 2025 season are the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Donovan Mitchell is picking the Thunder or the Wolves to make the Finals in 2025
“I would say it’s probably gon’ be Minnesota or OKC. I think Minnesota, they some dogs. I think they figured it out too about themselves. They made some trades and made some different acquisitions… pic.twitter.com/yYk6XSXSkZ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 6, 2024
“I would say it’s probably gon’ be Minnesota or OKC. I think Minnesota, they some dogs. I think they figured it out too about themselves. They made some trades and made some different acquisitions and all that, but they figured it out. OKC adding Alex Caruso, I don’t think people really understand what that does for that lineup. You’ve already got [Cason] Wallace over there, you’ve got Lu Dort, Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander]’s not a bad defender himself. You add Alex Caruso to that lineup.” Mitchell said.
Mitchell pointed out that both teams have completed several deals and additions, with OKC acquiring Alex Caruso among them.
Mitchell Reflects on the Significant Influence of NBA Analysts’ Criticism
Mitchell, who was drafted by the Denver Nuggets with the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, was immediately traded to the Utah Jazz for the 24th pick. He delivered amazing performances right after the draft. However, he truly discovered his talent during his second season in the NBA. During the same podcast, Mitchell also discussed how criticism from certain NBA analysts had a significant impact on him.
“So, I’ll never forget this. I had my whole rookie year. There were times my rookie year where I had my moments — ’cause I didn’t believe I was supposed to be in the league. I don’t know if y’all know. I didn’t think I was gonna be in the NBA. I was a baseball player growin’ up. I didn’t start playin’ basketball for real ’til my junior year of high school. That’s when I was like, ‘Alright, bet.’ Like, I’m playin’.” Mitchell said.
According to StatMuse, Mitchell averaged 26.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds in 55 games in the 2023-24 season. He was selected to play in his fifth All-Star game. It will be fascinating to see the Cavaliers star’s performance in the 2024-25 NBA season.
