Ever since joining the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, Donovan Mitchell has been tearing up the scene, but fans are wondering about the meaning and origin behind his nickname ‘Spida’.
Donovan is doing very well this season and he just recently scored a career-best 71 points against the Chicago Bulls.
Donovan Mitchell Spida nickname meaning explained and origin story
“Spida” has everyone caught in his web this season, but how did @spidadmitchell earn his nickname? 🕷 #VerizonDunk pic.twitter.com/vDoOii1kfz
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 17, 2018
Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) tells us how he got the nickname "Spida" growing up playing ball! #ADayWithDonovan pic.twitter.com/8Inb2L3dY6
— NBA (@NBA) September 13, 2017
Thanks to Donovan Mitchell and his performances this season, the Cavs have a solid chance of making it deep into the playoffs this postseason.
Donovan Mitchell brief career highlight
Mitchell began his professional career when Utah Jazz drafted him as the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft first round. During his first season with the Jazz he played 79 games and averaged 20.5 points per game. Donovan even took part in the Slam Dunk Contest during the NBA All-Star weekend back in 2018.
Donovan then joined the Cleveland Cavaliers this season. Currently, Mitchell is averaging 28.3 points per game with 4.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.
Before joining the NBA, Donovan Mitchel played for the Louisville Cardinals during his college years. While playing there, he was selected as the first-team all-conference during the Atlantic Coast Conference back in 2017.
During his first year of college, he averaged just 7.4 points per game in his first 5 games. However, by the next season, those numbers doubled to 15.6 points per game.
Meaning and story behind Donovan Mitchell’ nickname ‘Spida’
Donovan Mitchel got his nickname ‘Spida’ when he was still playing for his college. One of his friends’ father who watched his games labeled him ‘Spida’ due to his ability to make steals. Mitchell has particularly long arms, which enable him to make steals from impossible positions more easily.
During an interview with NBA, Donovan Mitchell shared:
I had long arms, and I was quick to getting a lot of steals. I didn’t think it would correlate to where I am now. He never called me by my first name, and to this day, he still doesn’t. He’ll text me, ‘Spida, how ya doing?’ Spiderman was one of my favorites growing up, and it just stuck with me. That’s where it all came from.
Donovan Mitchell giving it all for the Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell is currently performing his level-best along with teammate Darius Garland. Both stars have averaged more than 20 points per game this season, and they are bound to play important roles during the postseason playoffs. For those wondering, the Cavs are currently placed 5th in the Eastern Conference with a solid home record of 20-5.
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