Damian Lillard, the 2013 Rookie of the Year, sees the Utah Jazz's Donovan Mitchell following in his footsteps.

"I think he should be Rookie of the Year, for sure," the Portland Trail Blazers star said of Mitchell, according to Joe Freeman of The Oregonian.

"Not just because of his numbers, but his impact on their team. He's basically leading them. It's special to see a rookie be able to do what he's doing out there."

Mitchell, 21, led the way with 27 points, six rebounds, two assists, and a steal over 37 minutes for the Jazz in their 115-96 win in Portland on Sunday night, ending the Blazers' nine-game winning streak at home.

It was the second time this season Mitchell torched Lillard's club, having previously set a career-high 28 points in an overtime victory against the Trail Blazers on Nov. 1. The talented and athletic shooting guard has since bested that scoring total eight times, with his current high set at 41.

Altogether, the No. 13 pick leads all first-year players in points (19.4), 3-pointers (2.3), and free throws (2.7) per game for the Jazz, who are on the cusp of a playoff spot. The reigning back-to-back Rookie of the Month, who's also third in steals (1.45) and seventh in assists, is considered a ROY favorite alongside Philadelphia 76ers power forward Ben Simmons.

Like Lillard, Mitchell will also be competing in the Rising Stars Challenge and Dunk Contest at All-Star weekend.