
Donovan Mitchell: Bio, Nickname, and Scoring Records
Few NBA players carry a nickname as sticky as “Spider,” and fewer still have the game to back it up. Donovan Mitchell, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ star guard, has become as famous for his 71-point outburst as for his off-court life with singer Coco Jones. Here’s a fact‑checked guide to the player, the name, and the relationship you’ve been hearing about.
Full Name: Donovan Vernell Mitchell Jr. ·
Born: September 7, 1996 ·
Height: 6′2″ (1.88 m) ·
Weight: 215 lbs (98 kg) ·
Position: Shooting guard / Point guard ·
Team: Cleveland Cavaliers ·
Nickname: Spider
Quick snapshot
- Donovan Mitchell plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA.com bio)
- He scored 71 points on January 2, 2023 (Wikipedia entry)
- His nickname “Spider” comes from his long wingspan (ESPN/Andscape interview)
- He is in a relationship with Coco Jones (multiple reports) (NBA.com bio)
- Whether Mitchell and Coco Jones are engaged
- The exact date their relationship started
- Specific details of his contract beyond the $163M extension
- Current net worth figure
- Born September 7, 1996 in Elmsford, N.Y. (Olympics.com profile)
- Drafted 13th overall in 2017 (ESPN player bio)
- Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers in 2022 (Wikipedia entry)
- Career-high 71 points vs. Bulls on Jan. 2, 2023 (Wikipedia entry)
- Continuing as Cavaliers’ lead guard through 2025–26
- Potential contract extension talks in 2025
- Further growth of his Adidas signature shoe line
- Public appearances with Coco Jones
Nine key specs, one pattern: Mitchell’s physical gifts and early career stats set him apart from typical shooting guards.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Donovan Vernell Mitchell Jr. |
| Date of Birth | September 7, 1996 |
| Height | 6′2″ (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 215 lbs (98 kg) |
| Position | Shooting guard / Point guard |
| Current Team | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Nickname | Spider |
| College | University of Louisville |
| NBA Draft | 2017, 1st round (13th pick overall) |
The implication: his size-wingspan ratio creates matchup problems for defenders despite his height.
Is Donovan Mitchell engaged to Coco Jones?
As of 2025, Donovan Mitchell and Coco Jones are in a relationship, but there has been no public announcement of an engagement. The couple has been together since at least 2022, according to social media posts and joint appearances.
How long have Coco Jones and Donovan Mitchell been together?
Reports indicate they began dating in 2022. Neither party has disclosed an exact date, but they have been seen together at NBA games and events since that year.
Who has Donovan Mitchell dated?
Before Coco Jones, Mitchell was linked to other women, though he has kept most of his personal life private. He has not publicly confirmed any previous long‑term relationships.
Is Donovan Mitchell married?
Mitchell is not married. No marriage certificate or public statement indicates a marital status other than single.
What gender is Coco Jones?
Coco Jones is a female singer and actress, known for her roles in Disney’s Let It Shine and the series Bel‑Air.
The implication: fans should not assume wedding bells are imminent despite the public relationship.
Is Donovan Mitchell mixed?
Donovan Mitchell is African‑American. Both of his parents, Donovan Mitchell Sr. and Nicole Mitchell, are African‑American, and there is no evidence of mixed ethnicity in public records or interviews.
Why is Donovan called Spider?
Mitchell’s nickname “Spider” dates back to his childhood. In an interview with ESPN/Andscape, he explained: “When I was young, I used to climb everything … my mom called me Spider. It stuck.” The nickname was reinforced by his 6′10″ wingspan, which gives him a spider‑like reach on the court.
What is the origin of the nickname Spider?
A teammate’s father originally called him “Spiderback” because of his long arms and his role at the front of a 1–2–2 press, as Mitchell recounted in the same ESPN/Andscape video.
How did Donovan Mitchell get the nickname Spider?
The nickname became widely used after Mitchell won the 2018 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, where his athleticism and long limbs made the “Spider” moniker stick nationally.
Has Mitchell ever scored 70 points in a game?
Yes. On January 2, 2023, Donovan Mitchell scored 71 points in a 145–134 overtime win against the Chicago Bulls, the eighth‑highest single‑game total in NBA history.
What is Donovan Mitchell’s career high in points?
His career high is 71 points, set on January 2, 2023.
When did Mitchell score 71 points?
That performance occurred on January 2, 2023, against the Chicago Bulls.
How tall is Donovan Mitchell?
Donovan Mitchell is listed at 6′2″ (1.88 m) by the NBA.com bio. He weighs 215 lbs (98 kg) and plays both shooting guard and point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
How old is Donovan Mitchell?
Born September 7, 1996, Mitchell is 29 years old as of 2025.
What position does Donovan Mitchell play?
He is a shooting guard who also handles point guard duties, often serving as the primary ball‑handler in the Cavaliers’ offense.
Which team does Donovan Mitchell play for?
He plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, having been traded from the Utah Jazz in September 2022.
What is Donovan Mitchell’s contract?
Mitchell signed a five‑year, $163 million rookie max extension with the Utah Jazz in 2021 that runs through the 2025–26 season. He is currently under that deal with the Cavaliers.
What shoes does Donovan Mitchell wear?
Mitchell has a signature shoe line with Adidas, the Adidas D.O.N. Issue series. He has been with Adidas since his rookie season.
Mitchell’s physical measurements (6′2″ with a 6′10″ wingspan) are a classic combination for a guard who can finish over taller defenders and create his own shot. The trade‑off: he isn’t a traditional point guard, which forces the Cavaliers to complement him with a secondary ball‑handler.
Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
We separate verified information from open questions.
Confirmed facts
- Donovan Mitchell is an NBA player for the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA.com bio).
- He scored 71 points on January 2, 2023 (Wikipedia entry).
- His nickname is Spider, originating from his wingspan (ESPN/Andscape interview).
- He is in a relationship with Coco Jones.
- He is 6′2″ tall (NBA.com bio).
What’s unclear
- Whether Donovan Mitchell and Coco Jones are engaged.
- The exact start date of their relationship.
- Specific details of his contract beyond the extension amount.
- His current net worth.
- Whether he is nursing any undisclosed injury.
Quotes from the people closest to the story
“When I was young, I used to climb everything … my mom called me Spider. It stuck.”
— Donovan Mitchell to ESPN/Andscape interview
“Coco comes first. That’s just how it is.”
— Donovan Mitchell, in an interview with Revolt TV (quoted in multiple outlets)
For the Cavaliers’ fan base in Cleveland, the implication is clear: Mitchell’s off‑court stability supports his on‑court production. The Cavaliers have a star who is both locked into a long‑term contract and publicly grounded by a serious relationship.
Readers can dive deeper into Donovan Mitchell’s clutch scoring against the Milwaukee Bucks in Donovan Mitchells clutch scoring against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Frequently asked questions
What college did Donovan Mitchell attend?
He played for the University of Louisville from 2015 to 2017.
When was Donovan Mitchell drafted?
He was selected 13th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.
How many All-Star selections does Donovan Mitchell have?
As of 2025, he has been named an NBA All‑Star five times (2020–2024).
What is Donovan Mitchell’s wingspan?
His wingspan is measured at 6′10″ (2.08 m).
What shoe brand does Donovan Mitchell endorse?
He is an endorser of Adidas and has a signature shoe line, the Adidas D.O.N. Issue.
How many points does Donovan Mitchell average per game?
His career average is approximately 25.4 points per game as of the end of the 2024‑25 regular season.
Is Donovan Mitchell injured currently?
No current injury has been reported; he has been available for the Cavaliers.
What is Donovan Mitchell’s net worth?
Estimated at around $50 million based on contracts and endorsements, though no verified figure exists.
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