Ahh Davion Mitchell. A coaches dream. The Naismith and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Mitchell is a menace on the less glamorous side of the floor. Nicknamed “Off Night”, Mitchell isn’t just a defensive stopper. Shooting 45% from 3 in his junior campaign for the Baylor Bears, Mitchell has elite slow-to-fast bursts that allow him to get to the hoop and finish through contact. A stalky frame, Mitchell can guard both guard positions at high level and can also keep up on the offensive end. At 23 years old, Mitchells body may not change a whole lot but the product he has currently will be more than enough to go top 8 in the draft.
Where Mitchell can flourish:
Any team would love to add Mitchell to its roster as he gives them so much versatility. He can bring the ball up the floor or play the wing. His flexibility in lineups is huge and for a team picking early in the draft, it is very unique to have a guy that can fit multiple needs on a roster. Mitchell really feels like he can fit with any team picking in top 10 but the team that shows the most upside for Mitchell is the Toronto Raptors at 4th overall. This might be a little high and potentially having Jalen Suggs still on the board, the Raptors could pass on Mitchell. However, the pairing of Fred VanVleet and Davion Mitchell in the backcourt feels like a balance of opposites and they could really thrive off each other’s games. The future for the long tenured Kyle Lowry is still up in the air but with the addition of Mitchell, Raptor fans could have a lot to look forward to.
Ceiling: The best thing about drafting a kid that plays hard is that he plays hard. A national champion and tested competitor, Mitchell will have an impact immediately in the NBA. Mitchell is a Marcus Smart type defender with more of a Jeff Teague offensive game. Not the current Bucks Jeff Teague, the 2015 all-star Jeff Teague. Mitchells landing spot is certainly something to keep an eye on and the rest of the league will be watching his status as well.
Zach Blaine 