Image Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Why Is Donovan Mitchell Called Spida?

Image Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Donovan Mitchell has had an illustrious basketball career spanning over almost a decade. His popularity ranges from his on court performances to his off court life as well. However, fans know little about his personal life and in this article, we’ll find a little about Donovan Mitchell, a.k.a. Spida.

The story of his unique nickname dates back to his college basketball days. While playing for Louisville Cardinals of the University of Louisville, Mitchell was known for his wide arms and pace. He used those attributes well to get buckets consistently.

However, a college teammate’s father started calling Donovan Mitchell as Spida. The name is synonymous to Marvel superhero, Spider-Man, who is also known for his pace and flexible long arms. Mitchell, who also loves watching Spider-Man, embraced the nickname, which became popular in his NBA career as well. Often, NBA commentators address the shooting guard as Spida in the game.

Did you know that Donovan Mitchell has scored 30+ POINTS in 48.2% of playoff games he's played? 👀

It's the FIFTH highest percentage in NBA History (min. 10 GP) 😳

Spida and the Cavs look for a commanding 3-0 lead today at 1:00pm/et on TNT! pic.twitter.com/N7UzWPHjNh
— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2025

Also Read: Warriors vs. Rockets Game 4 Preview- Dubs Eye Pushing Rockets to Edge of Elimination With Commanding Win in Pivotal Matchup

Donovan Mitchell while describing the nickname story said, “I had long arms, and I was quick to getting a lot of steals. I didn’t think it would correlate to where I am now. He (the college teammate’s father) never called me by my first name and to this day, he still doesn’t.”

The bond between Donovan Mitchell and his college teammate’s father is still solid after nearly a decade. Mitchell added, “He’ll text me, ‘Spida, how ya doing?’ Spiderman was one of my favorites growing up, and it just stuck with me. That’s where it all came from.”

Donovan Mitchell With Popular Singer Coco Jones?

Donovan Mitchell’s personal life also involves the presence of Coco Jones. Rumors are strong about the basketball star dating the singer. The duo have never publicly acknowledged their relationship status but have been spotted together on multiple occasions.

Mitchell recently dropped a subtle hint that could have given away his relationship with Coco Jones. The 29-year-old on his Instagram story shared a video where he was seen lip-synching. Donovan Mitchell was doing so with Jones’ latest album “Why Not More?” playing in the background.

Fans have erupted on social media after Mitchell’s lip-synching video. Coco Jones was also spotted this season in a Cleveland Cavaliers game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Donovan Mitchell put up a top performing then, scoring 26 points.