LAS VEGAS — His Team USA jersey still attached, his signature sneakers yet to be shed from his feet, Utah Jazz shooting guard Donovan Mitchell engaged in a spirited discussion with Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo.



The conversation was good natured, and yet competitive. It was pointed, yet comedic, focusing on their days as centerpieces of the classic Louisville/Kentucky rivalry. The two talked about who dunked on whom, whose team got the win (of course), and whose point guard crossed up the other’s big man. Mitchell was in a comfort zone, which makes sense because Louisville got the win in his sophomore season.



But, it was time to make Mitchell a little uncomfortable.



It was time to ask him why.



Mitchell playing for Team USA this summer doesn’t come without a bit of risk/reward. But, what is the risk for him, or Joe Ingles, or Rudy Gobert? And what is the reward, especially for Mitchell? How does his initial foray into playing for his...