Donovan Mitchell's rise to fame started at Canterbury School in New Milford, Connecticut, where he played his first two high school basketball seasons. He later transferred to the Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, capturing two National Prep Championships with the school.
During his junior year at Brewster Academy, Mitchell averaged 11.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists and steered his team to a National Prep Championship. In Mitchell's senior year, with a similar result, he averaged 14.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists and led his team to a remarkable 34-1 record to register its second straight National Prep Championship. After Scout.com ranked him 17th, Rivals.com ranked him 21st, and ESPN ranked him 43rd nationally, Mitchell was destined to play college ball, ultimately attending the University of Lousiville.
During his two years at Louisville, Mitchell averaged 11.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in only 26 minutes of action. After capturing the 2016-17 All-ACC and the ACC All-Defense team, Mitchell declared for the NBA Draft. The Denver Nuggets initially selected Donovan Mitchell as the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. However, he was shortly traded to the Utah Jazz on draft night for Tyler Lydon of Syracuse and Trey Lyles of Kentucky.
Since making his NBA debut on October 18, 2017, Donovan Mitchell has been nothing short of spectacular. He was nominated to the 2017-18 All-Rookie team, is a two-time NBA All-Star, and has led the Utah Jazz to four straight postseason appearances, including the number one seed in the Western Conference in the 2020-21 NBA season.
Without a doubt, Donovan Mitchell is the face of the franchise, where he has steadily boosted his level of play as each season rolls on. As Donovan Mitchell turns heads with his scoring prowess, his rookie cards have garnered extreme attention and grown in value. With that said, let's explore the 13 best Donovan Mitchell's rookie cards.
#13
2017 Panini Prestige Donovan Mitchell Rain RC #163
Recent sale: $775
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Donovan Mitchell played for two seasons at the University of Louisville. In the 2015-16 season, he appeared in 31 games, though he started just five of them. Despite playing just 19 minutes per game throughout his rookie season, Mitchell averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.8 steals. Mitchell started 33 of 34 games in his sophomore season, with his minutes increasing to 32 minutes per game. As a result, he increased his counting numbers across the board, averaging 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game.
Donovan Mitchell's 2017 Panini Prestige Rain rookie card has a PSA population of 22 and is one of only eight cards to obtain a PSA 10. Mitchell's Rain rookie card also presents a BGS population of four, though the highest card received a BGS 9.5. Overall, collectors received a PSA or BGS 10 of Mitchell's Rain rookie card from 2017 Panini Prestige at a 30% clip.
During his sophomore campaign, Mitchell was the Louisville Cardinals' highest scorer and evolved into the best player on the squad. He also led the Lousiville Cardinals to a 25-9 record as a sophomore and finished 2nd in the ACC. Although Mitchell's 2017 Panini Prestige Rain is his least valuable rookie card, it holds tremendous long-term value as after just two years at Louisville, Mitchell quickly earned distinguished prominence in the NBA.
#12
2017 Panini Totally Certified Donovan Mitchell Rookie Roll Call Holo Blue RC #RRC-DM #'d/1
Recent sale: $1,290
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Mitchell had a superb rookie season with the Utah Jazz, leading all NBA rookies with 20.5 points per game and finishing second in the 2017-18 Rookie of the Year award. Mitchell had an overall 43.7% shooting percentage as a rookie, including 34% from beyond the arc. He was also a superb free-throw shooter, knocking down 80% from the line. Mitchell was a significant reason why the Utah Jazz recorded a 48-34 record in the 2017-18 season, good for 5th in the Western Conference.
Panini released the 2017-18 Totally Certified set on December 13, 2017. Panini configured the highly coveted hobby box in eight packs of five cards, with the most sought-after cards of the set being the Rookie Roll Call parallel cards. On average, collectors could expect to discover one autograph and one relic card in each hobby box. Donovan Mitchell's 2017 Panini Totally Certified Rookie Roll Call is his most limited rookie card, serial-numbered 1 of 1. Mitchell's autographed card received a BGS 9.5 for centering, 8.5 for corners, 9 for edges, and 9.5 for surfaces, obtaining a BGS 9 overall.
Since his NBA debut, Donovan Mitchell has made a strong impact for the Utah Jazz, consistently making the franchise a tough team to defeat on a nightly basis. His Rookie Roll Call autographed rookie card will always remain high in demand as Donovan Mitchell's only rookie basketball card that's serial-numbered 1 of 1.
#11
2017 Panini Donruss Donovan Mitchell Next Day Autographs RC #13
Recent sale: $1,693
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In his opening test, Donovan Mitchell turned heads in the 2017 NBA Summer League. Dating back to the 1946-47 season, Mitchell recorded the second-highest average points per game in NBA Summer League history, averaging 28 points over five contests. The only other player to average more points than Mitchell was Marcus Banks in 2007, though Banks only appeared in one game where he totaled 42 points.
Panini released its 2017-2018 Donruss set on January 1, 2017. The Donruss product was issued with 10 cards per pack and 24 packs in each hobby box. After acquiring 2017-18 Donruss, collectors received one autographed card, one relic card, and 24 inserts in each hobby box. Mitchell's Next Day Autographs rookie card has an overall population of 40 from PSA and BGS.
This precise Donovan Mitchell rookie card is graded a BGS 9 and is one of the most condition-sensitive cards, as only one card, roughly 3% obtained a PSA or BGS 10. Overall, only 16% of cards were graded higher than a BGS 9. As a result of being one of Mitchell's most condition-sensitive rookie cards, collectors are quick to get a clutch on his 2017-18 Donruss rookie card, especially if the lone PSA 10 were to surface.
#10
2017 Panini Contenders Donovan Mitchell Prizm Redemption Autograph RC #113A
Recent sale: $2,200
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As the card suggests, Mitchell's goal is to become selected to the first-team all-defensive team. Though he hasn't received that accomplishment yet, Mitchell is a pest on the defensive end, averaging 1.2 steals per contest. In a Summer League game in 2017, Mitchell racked up eight steals in one game. When it came to the regular season, Mitchell continued his pick-pocketing defensive prowess. After averaging 1.5 steals per game during his rookie campaign, Mitchell went on spurts of steals. He totaled six games where he recorded at least four steals, including one in the postseason.
Although notably sought-after, Mitchell's 2017 Panini Contenders Prizm autographed rookie card is one of the least condition-sensitive cards on the list. There are 17 cards in PSA's population, with 12 obtaining a PSA 10. This specific Donovan Mitchell rookie card is graded a BGS 9.5, one of 23 cards to obtain the grade, with no cards receiving a higher grade by BGS. Mitchell's 2017 Panini Contenders card received a PSA or BGS 10 at a 27% clip.
Mitchell has all the tools to become selected to the first-team all-defensive team, illustrated by recording 346 steals in 278 NBA games. Mitchell is a force to be reckoned with on both the offensive and defensive end, where his 2017 Panini Contenders Prizm autographed card is one of his most recognizable rookie cards.
#9
2017 Panini Flawless Donovan Mitchell Flawless Horizontal Patch Autographs Ruby RC #FP-DM #'d/15
Recent sale: $2,300
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Mitchell made an immediate impact for the Utah Jazz as a rookie. In his NBA debut versus the Denver Nuggets, who officially drafted Mitchell, he totaled only 26 minutes yet scored 10 points and garnered four assists. Most importantly, the Jazz, who won by 106-96, was plus-22 for the game when Mitchell was on the court.
Mitchell's Flawless Ruby rookie patch autographed card from 2017 Panini Flawless is one of his most limited rookie cards, serial-numbered to 15. Mitchell's RPA from 2017 Panini Flawless has a total population of six, with this distinct card obtaining a PSA 9, the only card graded by PSA. According to BGS's population report, five cards have been graded, all receiving a BGS 9.5. There are three sold cards on the list where Mitchell's card is graded a PSA or BGS 10. However, Mitchell's highly coveted Ruby Flawless RPA is one of five cards with no record of obtaining the ultimate PSA or BGS 10 ever before.
Mitchell's 2017 Panini Flawless Ruby RPA is a vital asset for collectors due to its limited availability and condition sensitivity. While reaching unprecedented heights in the NBA, his 2017 Panini Flawless Ruby RPA has no limits, ensuring tremendous value for Donovan Mitchell's rookie card.
#8
2017 Panini Mosaic Donovan Mitchell Prizms Gold RC #5 #'d/10
Recent sale: $2,570
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Mitchell was paramount for the Utah Jazz as a rookie, starting in 71 of 79 games in the 2017-18 NBA season. As a second-year player, Mitchell played started and played in all 77 games he appeared. Mitchell's minutes increased only .3 minutes per game from year one to year two, though his counting stats significantly increased. After averaging 20.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists per game in the 2017-18 season, Mitchell increased his production by averaging 23.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in the 2018-19 season.
The highly sought-after 2017-18 Panini Prizm Mosaic set was issued on March 23, 2018, with three packs of ten cards in each hobby box. Mitchell's Gold rookie card from 2017 Panini Mosaic is tied for his most limited rookie card, serial-numbered to only 10. With a total PSA and BGS population of five, only one card obtained the highly coveted PSA 10. The sale of this specific Mitchell rookie card was graded a BGS 9.5, one of only two cards graded by BGS. Overall, 50% of Mitchell's 2017 Panini Mosaic Prizms Gold rookie card is already graded by PSA and BGS.
Mitchell averaged 20.5 points throughout his rookie season, 23.8 points in his sophomore season, 24.0 points in his third season, and 26.4 points last year. Now entering his 5th NBA season, Mitchell aims to keep pace and compete for the NBA scoring title, which was 32.0 points in the 2020-21 season. As Mitchell elevates his performance annually, the value of his rookie cards will continue to soar in value, notably his 2017 Panini Mosaic Prizms Gold rookie card.
#7
2017 Panini Donruss Optic Donovan Mitchell Rated Rookies Signatures Gold RC #188 #'d/10
Recent sale: $2,600
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Donovan Mitchell had an exceptional rookie and sophomore season, though he was snubbed of being selected to an All-Star Team each season. That changed after Mitchell 24.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in the 2019-20 season. He then was selected to the 2020-21 NBA All-Star Game after recording 26.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.
Panini released the 207-18 Donruss Optic set on April 4, 2018, in two distinct configurations. A hobby box emphasized 20 packs of four cards, and the Fast Break box presented 18 packs of five cards. With 80 cards per hobby box, collectors could expect one autographed card, and 20 inserts, while a Fast Break box released one autographed card and 18 inserts. Whether purchasing a hobby box, or a Fast break box, 2017-18 Panini Donruss Optic is recognized for its on-card rookie autographs.
Also serial-numbered to 10, Donovan Mitchell's 2017 Panini Donruss Optic rookie card emphasizes Mitchell's signature. Thus far, only four Rated Rookies Signatures Donovan Mitchell rookie cards have surfaced of the 10. In fact, this is the lowest grade of the four cards obtained by PSA and BGS. Though regarded as Mitchell's seventh most valuable rookie card, because this precise card only received a PSA 8, a copy of Mitchell's card in a higher grade will command extreme attention by collectors.
#6
2017 Panini Flawless Donovan Mitchell Horizontal Patch Auto Ruby RC #HP-DM #'d/15
Recent sale: $3,250
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Since debuting in the NBA, Donovan Mitchell has been highlighted in the top 20 of every major category on the leaderboard, including points, steals, two-point field goals, three-point field goals, and minutes played. As such, Mitchell signed a five-year deal with the Utah Jazz for $163,000,300. If Mitchell were to make the All-NBA team in any of the upcoming five seasons, he would receive a 30% increase in salary, generating the value of his contract worth up to $195,600,000.
Not to be mistaken for Mitchell's 2017 Flawless Patch Ruby RPA, one of Donovan Mitchell's most recognizable rookie cards is none other than his Horizontal Ruby rookie patch autograph card from 2017 Panini Flawless. With a total population of six, the highest card graded by PSA is a PSA 9, and the highest card obtained by BGS is a BGS 9.5, which occurred on five occasions.
At the moment, Donovan Mitchell's contract is worth 25% of the total salary cap of the Utah Jazz. Mitchell has consistently been one of the most talented players through just four NBA seasons, illustrated by receiving a rookie max extension by the Jazz. Mitchell is guaranteed $163,000,300 over the next five years, though it feels inevitable that he will merit a 30% bonus when he draws All-NBA honors. At that point, it is safe to say his Horizontal Ruby RPA will skyrocket in value.
#5
2018 Panini Kaboom Donovan Mitchell Base RC #K-DM
Recent sale: $3,900
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During his rookie season, Donovan Mitchell entered and won the 2018 NBA Dunk Contest. After having the Staples Center in awe through Mitchell's soaring routines, Mitchell became the 2nd Utah Jazz player to capture the NBA Dunk Contest. By year, Mitchell has recorded 42 of 49 dunks, 31 of 37 dunks, 26 of 33 dunks, and 14 of 25 dunks. Although his dunking totals go down, that is by design as Mitchell values his long-term durability, especially in the postseason. Though when Mitchell does dunk, he throws it down better than anyone.
Issued on December 14, 2018, Panini Kaboom is a unique release by Panini that features multiple sports, from basketball to football and even soccer. 2018 Panini Kaboom is a 50-card set that circulated two cards in each pack. The packs were part of Panini's rewards program, which allowed collectors to trade in their rewards points for packs of 2018 Panini Kaboom.
Mitchell's 2018 Panini Kaboom base rookie card has the second-highest total population on the list with 96 cards, with 21 cards, roughly 22% obtaining a PSA 10. 42 of the 96 cards were graded by BGS, though none earned a BGS 10, with the highest grade receiving a BGS 9.5 on 25 occasions. This distinct card received a PSA 10 and is Mitchell's fifth most valuable rookie card.
#4
2017 Panini Mosaic Donovan Mitchell Autographs Gold RC #A-DML #'d/10
Recent sale: $5,350
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On August 17, 2020, Donovan Mitchell recorded one of the finest playoff performances in NBA history in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs when the Utah Jazz fittingly visited the Denver Nuggets. Although the Nuggets prevailed in overtime, it was Donovan Mitchell's performance that goes down in history. Mitchell recorded 57 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists for the game. After shooting 19 of 33, including 6 of 15 beyond the arc, and 13 of 13 from the free-throw line, his 57 points are the third-most in NBA Playoff history.
Released from the corresponding 2017 Panini mosaic set that features Mitchell's Prizms Gold rookie card, his autographed gold rookie card is also serial-numbered to 10. PSA has a total population of one, which received a PSA 9. With six cards in the BGS population report, the highest card obtained a BGS 9.5, this card included.
The overall population of Mitchell's autographed gold rookie card stands at seven, with three cards yet to surface. Despite being one of Mitchell's most valuable rookie cards, if any of those three cards receive a PSA or BGS 10, Mitchell's 2017 Panini Mosaic autographed gold rookie card has tremendous upside.
#3
2017 Panini Prizm Donovan Mitchell Prizms Blue RC #117 #'d/199
Recent sale: $6,995
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Traveling back in time, Donovan Mitchell's attended elementary school at Greenwich Country Day School in Greenwich, Connecticut. In recognition of his achievements on and off the court, along with a substantial $12 million donation by Donovan Mitchell, the Greenwich Country Day School was able to establish The Determination Over Negativity Mitchell Family Athletic Center, known as "The DON."
Donovan Mitchell's third most valuable card emerged from 2017 Panini Prizm, illustrated by his blue rookie card. Mitchell's illustrious card is serial-numbered to 199, with 157 cards surfacing thus far. Mitchell's blue rookie card from the set received a PSA 10, the highest card attainable from PSA. The 157 cards overall have obtained a PSA or BGS 10 at an 100% clip, with the highest graded card receiving a BGS Black Label, the only Donovan Mitchell card on the list to achieve the feat.
Since its release on December 4, 2017, Mitchell's Panini Prizm blue rookie card has been one of Mitchell's most coveted rookie cards. As a PSA 10 is the highest awarded grade from PSA, if a collector comes across the BGS Black Label, it unquestionably will become Donovan Mitchell's most decorated rookie card.
#2
2017 Panini Select Donovan Mitchell Prizms Gold RC #11 #'d/10
Recent sale: $9,451
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After Mitchell's astonishing 57-point display on August 17, 2020, he followed that game up with another 50-point game just days later. On August 23, 2020, Mitchell went off for 51 points on 15 of 27 shooting, including four of seven from deep and 17 of 18 from the free-throw line.
Emerging from 2017 Panini Select on March 8, 2018, Mitchell's Prizms gold rookie card is recognized as his 2nd most valuable rookie card. Panini Select distributed cards in hobby boxes featuring 12 packs of five cards. A typical hobby box break distributed three autograph or memorabilia cards and 12 Prizm cards.
His 2017 Panini Select card is tied for his most limited rookie card, serial-numbered to 10. According to PSA and BGS' population reports, all ten cards have been officially graded, with only one card receiving a PSA or BGS 10. This particular card earned a BGS 9.5, one of six cards to earn the grade. As the 2nd most valuable and sought-after Donovan Mitchell rookie card, keep an eye on the lone card that received a BGS 10. It holds unparalleled potential, partly because it is the only card that will ever obtain a PSA or BGS 10 due to each card being graded and serial-numbered to 10.
#1
2017 Panini National Treasures Donovan Mitchell Horizontal Rookie Patch Autograph RC #113 #'d/49
Recent sale: $11,000
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Piggybacking on Mitchell's playoff prominence, he has appeared in 34 career postseason contests where his lowest points scored in a game sits at double digits. Taking it a step further, of his 33 postseason games, Mitchell didn't reach the 20-point plateau on only five occasions. Through 33 playoff games, Mitchell has averaged 28.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while shooting 43% from the field. Through only four seasons, where Mitchell led the Jazz to the postseason each year, Mitchell is one of the most dominant postseason players of all time.
Donovan Mitchell's most valuable and sought-after rookie card emerged from 2017 Panini National Treasures, released on May 4, 2018. The highly prominent set issued one pack of cards containing 10 cards in each hobby box. A typical hobby box had eight autographed or memorabilia cards, one autograph, memorabilia, or printing plate, and one base or parallel card. Mitchell's Horizontal rookie patch autographed rookie card is serial-numbered to 49 cards. With 38 cards already graded by PSA and BGS, the highest card obtained by PSA is a PSA 10 with a population of 7, with 17 cards receiving a BGS 9.5.
Donovan Mitchell's RPA from 2017 Panini National Treasures is currently the most valuable rookie card of the All-Star guard for the Utah Jazz, and it has the appeal to remain in the top spot for years to come.
Donovan Mitchell's Legacy and Scoring Title Chances
Through four NBA seasons, Donovan Mitchell has exceeded all expectations and is viewed as one of the most natural scorers in the NBA. Since averaging 20.5 points per game in his rookie season, Mitchell has increased his scoring totals each season by 3.3 points, 0.2 points, and 2.4 points per game, respectively. At this rate, Mitchell has the potential to average more than 30 points per game and contend for the NBA scoring title.
As one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA who possesses tremendous ball-handling skills and displays elite athleticism, Donovan Mitchell is capable of making the All-Star team every year for the next decade. The total market cap of the best Donovan Mitchell's rookie cards is roughly $53,000. For that reason, Donovan Mitchell's rookie cards are a valuable commodity that offers the potential to reach unprecedented levels.
