The Fit:
Oklahoma City needs a backup point guard that can play alongside Russell Westbrook. Donovan Mitchell fits that bill. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to dominate and can be a perfectly fine spot-up shooter. As someone who has matured significant in terms of decision making, Westbrook would be the perfect mentor for Mitchell. He could learn how to run an offense and the importance of getting others involved.
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There was a time when Mitchell was in the Thunder’s range at 21. Unfortunately for Sam Presti, those days are gone as Mitchell has shot up draft boards thanks to his measurements and strong interviews. There are still about five or six guards that should be drafted ahead of Mitchell. This means he should still be available at the end of the lottery. Outside of Indiana wing OG Anunoby, Mitchell would be the best realistic option to move up and trade for.
The Thunder are desperate for a backup point guard. The problem is that after Mitchell, there is a massive drop-off at that position. The Thunder could always buy their way into the second round and take a flyer on a lesser talent. But if OKC wants to draft a point guard that will have a sure place in this league, Mitchell should be their guy. He has drawn comparisons to the likes of Avery Bradley, an elite defender with a streaky shot. Even as a rookie, Mitchell would fly right past Semaj Christon on the depth chart and give valuable minutes for a second unit that struggled mightily this past season.