You see the name "Mitchell" on the back of two jerseys, you see the explosive first steps, and you notice both guys are wearing number 45. It’s a natural conclusion to jump to. If you’ve spent any time watching the NBA lately, you've probably wondered if Davion and Donovan Mitchell are brothers. It’s one of those sports "facts" that feels like it should be true, especially when you look at how they move on the hardwood.
But it’s just not.
Honestly, they aren't related at all. Not brothers, not cousins, not even distant relatives from the same family reunion three decades ago. It’s a total coincidence. Well, mostly. While the bloodline isn't there, the connection between these two is actually a lot deeper than just sharing a common surname.
The Truth About the Mitchell "Family Tree"
Let’s get the logistics out of the way first because the backgrounds couldn't be more different despite the similar vibes.
Donovan Mitchell, the perennial All-Star often called "Spida," was born in Elmsford, New York. His dad, Donovan Mitchell Sr., wasn't a basketball star; he was a baseball guy who worked as a director for the New York Mets. Donovan actually grew up in MLB locker rooms. His sister is Jordan Mitchell, a standout lacrosse player.
Then you have Davion Mitchell. He hails from Hinesville, Georgia. He’s the son of Earl and Lavonne Mitchell. He didn't grow up in the bright lights of New York; he was a Georgia kid through and through, leading Liberty County High School to a state title before bouncing from Auburn to Baylor.
So, yeah. Two different families, two different states, zero shared DNA.
Why Everyone Thinks They’re Related
So why does everyone—and I mean everyone—keep asking this?
It’s the number 45. That’s the big one.
When Davion was tearing it up at Baylor, leading them to a National Championship in 2021, he wore 45. Why? Because Donovan Mitchell is literally his favorite player. He didn't just pick the number randomly; he chose it as a tribute. Davion has gone on record saying he models parts of his game after Donovan, particularly the way Donovan uses his frame to shield defenders on drives.
The similarities are kinda spooky, though:
- The Birthday: Both were born in September, just two days apart (Donovan on the 7th, Davion on the 5th).
- The Size: Both are slightly undersized guards with massive wingspans and "bowling ball" physiques.
- The Draft: Both were lottery picks (Donovan 13th in 2017, Davion 9th in 2021).
- The Jersey: They both rocked 45 (though Davion switched to 15 when he first joined the Kings because of team availability).
It’s like a glitch in the simulation. If you saw them standing next to each other in a dimly lit gym, you’d swear they were brothers. They even have similar shooting forms and that same low-to-the-ground, explosive driving style.
Career Paths: From Sacramento to Miami and Beyond
While Donovan has spent his career as a bonafide scoring machine—first with the Utah Jazz and now with the Cleveland Cavaliers—Davion’s path has been a bit more "grind-heavy."
Davion earned the nickname "Off Night" because whoever he guards is usually in for a miserable shooting performance. He’s a defensive specialist. After a few years with the Sacramento Kings, he had a brief stint with the Toronto Raptors before landing with the Miami Heat in early 2025.
Interestingly, since moving to the Heat, Davion has seen a bit of a career resurgence. He’s finally getting those starting minutes he craved. On the other side, Donovan is still the "Spida," putting up massive numbers in Cleveland and solidifying himself as one of the best shooting guards in the world.
The two have faced off a few times now. Every time they do, the broadcast crew inevitably mentions the "Are they related?" question. It’s become a bit of a running joke in NBA circles. Donovan has actually talked about Davion, praising the younger guard’s work ethic and defensive intensity. He seems to enjoy the fact that there’s a "mini-him" out there causing havoc on the perimeter.
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What This Means for Your NBA Trivia
If you’re at a bar or watching a game with friends, you now have the ultimate "actually" card to pull.
Most people will bet their life savings that they’re siblings. They aren't. They’re just two guys who happen to share a name, a jersey number, a birth month, and a whole lot of talent.
It’s actually a testament to Donovan’s influence on the next generation. Davion represents a wave of players who grew up watching the "Spida" era and literally mapped their careers—down to the jersey number—after him.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Jersey: If you see Davion wearing 45 again (as he has at various points), remember it’s an homage, not a family heirloom.
- Watch the Defense: If you want to see the difference, watch Davion’s feet on defense compared to Donovan’s offensive footwork. That’s where their games diverge.
- Follow the Heat/Cavs Games: Whenever Miami plays Cleveland, keep an eye on the "Mitchell vs. Mitchell" matchup. It’s one of the best "non-brother" rivalries in the league.
Next time someone tries to tell you the Mitchell brothers are the next big duo in the NBA, you can politely let them know that while the vibes are immaculate, the birth certificates say otherwise.
Check out the official NBA stats pages for both players to see how their career trajectories are currently stacking up in the 2025-26 season.