Davion Mitchell 2021 NBA Draft Scouting Report

Davion Mitchell 2021 NBA Draft Scouting Report

The NBA Draft is nigh, and we have another scouting report ready for you here at Vendetta. National champion Davion Mitchell jumped up pre-draft leaderboards after a stellar showing during Baylor’s NCAA tournament win. Mitchell is one of the older guards available but teams should not discount how he affects the game on both ends of the floor even at age 22. Mitchell is arguably the best perimeter defender in this draft, and he could be an instant feature for any team in the league as a two-way guard.

• Height/Weight: 6’1”/202 pounds
• Primary Position: Point Guard
• Most Recent Stats: 30 games, 14.0 PPG, 5.5 APG, 2.7 RPG, 51.1% FG, 44.7% 3PT, 64.1% FT, 1.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 2.4 TOPG

Strengths: Defense, Shooting, Explosiveness

Mitchell’s best attribute is his defense, as his tenacity and explosiveness make him a frustrating match-up for any opposing guard. Mitchell is also quick to cut off passing lanes and driving angles and is not afraid to get up on an opponent’s hip. We all saw how much of an impact he had during Baylor’s national title run, and despite his size, he could likely take the assignment of the lead scoring guard for any NBA opponent.

The most surprising piece of his game last season was his shooting. Mitchell was an inconsistent three-point threat for the first two years of his collegiate career, but he was lethal from deep last season. He shot an impressive 44.7% from three, elevating his game to include scoring at all three levels. He is at his best creating his shot off the bounce, ending his sequence of dribbles with a pull-up three or a drive to the hoop. Mitchell’s explosiveness also aids in his shot creation and playmaking. He is incredibly quick with a good first step off the bounce.

Weaknesses: Size, Control, Consistent Shooting

Mitchell is an undersized guard in the league, and that may mean that he cannot always take the primary defensive match-up for the team that drafts him. He can certainly defend the guard positions, but his length may be tested if he is switched onto a wing. The former Baylor guard struggled at points with his body control, seemingly getting too far ahead of his range of movement. The 2.4 turnovers per game may worry teams, but he likely will not have to be the primary playmaker for the team that takes him. Regardless, it is an area in which he can improve. Finally, the numbers do not lie. He shot phenomenally last season, but his previous two years were less than spectacular, and concern exists that his shooting form could regress.

Best Fit: Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs

Davion Mitchell may not be available for some of these teams, but his value is undeniable. I do not know if the Warriors would want to spend their 7th pick on him – especially with rumors that it is up for sale – but the window for another title is closing, and Mitchell is ready for NBA basketball. He will have less of a learning curve and he offers good spacing on offense and another lockdown perimeter defender alongside Klay.

New Orleans just dealt Eric Bledsoe to Memphis, and Lonzo Ball’s future with the Pelicans could be in question, so why not secure a two-way guard prospect with star potential? Mitchell can already create his own shot, but his playmaking at Baylor was an underrated aspect of his game. Putting him in a pick-and-roll with Zion Williamson would not only incentivize Williamson to stay in New Orleans but would also create a formidable young duo.

Finally, San Antonio. This young Spurs squad is rebuilding and if they fully commit to that, Mitchell might be a logical choice. A backcourt pairing of the former Baylor guard and Dejounte Murray would be incredibly stifling defensively and fun to watch on the offensive side of the ball as well.

NBA Comparison: Jrue Holiday

Holiday earned his stripes by becoming a ball-stopping guard, and that could be Mitchell’s path to a quality NBA career. The recent NBA champion is the epitome of a two-way guard in the league today: he can facilitate on offense, spread the defense on the perimeter, and then lock up opposing guards for 94 feet. While Mitchell will certainly get comparisons to Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell, the Holiday comparison fits more into the mold of what Mitchell will be for the team that drafts him.

Davion Mitchell Will Be A Star In The NBA

Draft Projection: Lottery Pick

Davion Mitchell is going to be a lottery pick, likely falling somewhere in the latter half of the top 14. Although undersized, he is a versatile combo guard with great defensive awareness and skill. It will be interesting to see if he can maintain a high 3-point percentage in the league, but if last year was any indication, Mitchell could be one of the better young two-way guards in the league with the potential to be a star one day.

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