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Tim BontempsESPN
CLEVELAND — Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell announced Sunday evening that he wouldn’t be able to play in Sunday’s All-Star Game due to an upper respiratory illness.
“It is a great honor and has always been a dream of mine to be selected as an NBA All-Star,” Mitchell said in a statement released by the NBA. “Remorsefully, I will not be able to play in tonight’s All-Star Game due to an upper respiratory illness (non-COVID-related).
“The entire All-Star weekend is a celebration of the basketball community, the fans and the sport I am blessed to play. I’m focused on getting well and back out on the court. Thank you for all the get-well wishes. I can’t wait to see the game later today.”
Mitchell, 25, was selected to participate in his third straight All-Star Game — and the third overall selection of his career — after averaging 25.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 46 games for the Jazz.
Mitchell, who was then drafted onto Team LeBron for Sunday’s event, is one of several players dealing with injury issues. Chris Paul made a brief appearance in the All-Star Game despite dealing with a thumb injury that will sideline him for the next six to eight weeks. Zach LaVine, who had missed several games with knee soreness, played 11 minutes and scored 12 points in a 163-160 victory for Team LeBron.
Kevin Durant, James Harden and Draymond Green were all previously ruled out of Sunday’s game with injuries, with LaMelo Ball, Jarrett Allen and Dejounte Murray, respectively, being picked to fill in for them.