Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell is known both for his high-scoring play and his spiritual life. He has called himself “a spiritual person” and often speaks about faith and prayer. While Mitchell has not publicly detailed a specific religion, many media reports note his practice of Buddhist traditions alongside his NBA career.
Quick Profile: Donovan Mitchell
| Full Name | Donovan Vernell Mitchell Jr. |
| Date of Birth | September 7 1996 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional basketball player |
| Team | Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) |
| Religion | Buddhism |
What Religion is Donovan Mitchell?
Mitchell frequently speaks about being spiritual and giving thanks. He has described himself simply as “spiritual” and often references God and prayer. For example, he once said he prays to God every day and feels blessed by his accomplishments. He has not publicly declared a formal religious affiliation. Some media reports note that he practices Buddhist traditions (such as Zen meditation), but Mitchell generally keeps his beliefs private and hasn’t labeled a specific faith.
In interviews, Mitchell balances language of gratitude and destiny, mixing Western and Eastern religious imagery. In short, faith and spirituality are important to him, even if the exact religion remains personal.
Early Life
Mitchell was born in Elmsford, New York, on September 7, 1996. His father, Donovan Sr., played minor league baseball and later worked in baseball management; his mother, Nicole (of Panamanian descent), is a teacher. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, Mitchell played multiple sports in school before focusing on basketball. He developed his game in Westchester County and later Connecticut, attending Archbishop Stepinac High School (winning state basketball and track titles). Despite his athletic focus, his parents emphasized education as well.
Career Highlights
Mitchell was a college standout at Louisville University before entering the NBA. He was selected 13th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, then promptly traded to the Utah Jazz as part of a draft-night deal. In Utah he quickly became a star, he made six straight NBA All-Star teams (2020–2025) and earned All-NBA honors (First Team in 2025, Second Team in 2023). As a rookie he won the 2018 NBA Slam Dunk Contestand was named to the All-Rookie First Team.
In February 2022 the Jazz traded Mitchell to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers (for Collin Sexton and draft picks). In Cleveland he continued to excel. Notably, on January 2, 2023, Mitchell erupted for 71 points in a single game, a Cavaliers franchise record and the most by any NBA player in 17 years. In that game the Cavs overcame a 21-point deficit in overtime to win. This performance made headlines as one of the highest single-game scoring totals in NBA history (the last player to score more was Kobe Bryant with 81 in 2006). Mitchell remains the centerpiece of Cleveland’s offense and a perennial All-Star.
Personal Life
Mitchell is engaged to R&B singer Coco Jones; the couple began dating in 2023 and announced their engagement in July 2025. The two had been seeing each other privately since 2024 and made public appearances together (including at the 2024 Paris Olympics).
Mitchell is close with his family, he often credits his 13-year-old sister Jordan for motivating him during college, especially after she sent an encouraging text during a slump. Off the court, Mitchell is active in philanthropy and business. He founded the SpidaCares foundation to support education and youth sports programs, and he launched the “My Way 45” initiative (running basketball training camps and promoting his brand) to connect with young athletes. Mitchell has said he aims to have a lasting positive impact on his community beyond basketball.
Endorsements and Earnings
Mitchell signed a lucrative contract extension with the Jazz in 2020, a five-year deal worth $163 million (with escalators up to $196M). That contract carried over when he was traded, making him one of the NBA’s highest-paid players. In the 2025–26 season Mitchell’s salary is approximately $46.4 million.
Off-court, Mitchell has endorsement partnerships with major brands. He has an exclusive sneaker deal with Adidas, he signed a multi-year contract and launched his own signature “D.O.N.” basketball shoe line with the company. He also appears in marketing for trading cards (Panini), video games, and other NBA-licensed products. Through NBA earnings and endorsements, his net worth is estimated in the tens of millions (as of 2025).
Trivia
- Donovan Mitchell’s famous nickname “Spida” (short for Spider) was given to him in college by a teammate’s parent, who likened his long arms and defensive instincts to a spider. Mitchell has fully embraced “Spida,” even using it in his shoe branding and merchandise.
- As a child, Mitchell once faked reciting Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech to avoid basketball practice, he was grounded when his mother discovered the prank.
- In his college years, Mitchell privately promised his working single mother that she would “never have to work again” once he succeeded; after exhausting practice sessions, he texted her, “Don’t worry. Pretty soon, you’ll never have to work again”
