Sam Merrill’s Success: Were Pickup Games with Mitchell and Niang the Real Game-Changer?

Merrill’s remarkable week commenced with a dazzling nine-point burst in a mere eight minutes against the Atlanta Hawks. The momentum continued as he delivered a clutch 19-point display in a thrilling showdown with the Houston Rockets. The crescendo reached its peak in a career night against his hometown team, the Utah Jazz, where Merrill rained down 27 points, fueled by eight three-pointers for the wine-and-gold.But this narrative of triumph wasn’t written overnight. The plot thickens as we rewind to the summer of 2018, when Donovan Mitchell and Georges Niang, now fellow Cavaliers, were with the Utah Jazz. Merrill, then entering his junior year at Utah State, found himself an hour-and-a-half away from the Jazz’s stomping grounds. In an ironic twist of fate, pickup games ensued, with Mitchell, Niang, and Royce O’Neale joining Merrill for some heated competition.In revisiting those instances, Niang offered his perspective, noting, “His shooting prowess was evident. He excelled in the league, patiently awaiting his breakthrough. It’s truly gratifying for those who seize such opportunities.” Mitchell added his voice, commending Merrill’s tireless work ethic, emphasizing his meticulous approach to honing his skills.In a recent media briefing, Merrill delved into his history, revealing that, as a young player in Utah, he modestly aspired to play Division I basketball. However, the pickup games with Mitchell and Niang triggered a revelation. “That was the moment when I started to see the NBA as a possibility,” Merrill confessed. “Playing with high-caliber individuals was enjoyable, and I was making significant strides as a player. It’s amusing how that was six, seven years ago, and now it’s come full circle.”Fast forward to the present, and Merrill, battling a sore right wrist, found himself listed as questionable for a clash with the New Orleans Pelicans. Unfortunately, he was unable to contribute in the second half after a challenging first 12 minutes on the court.