OKC Thunder: NBA Draft prospect from each Final 4 team to consider
OKC Thunder – Baylor draft prospect to watch: guard Davion Mitchell
In the first match of the day, the Baylor Bears feature a draft prospect who seems destined for a lottery selection. That player is point guard Davion Mitchell.
Although he’s not listed on all experts’ mock drafts in the top 14 he’s definitely a first-round pick and with the extra exposure of the tournament, he’s bound to keep climbing.
At 22 he’s maturity is paying dividends, albeit that might be a stop-gap for some teams like the OKC Thunder who may prefer a younger prospect.
Regardless, his all-around game can’t be denied. Possessing an NBA-ready body with skills in key areas his game impresses. College players typically offer one fundamental skill that draws attention whether that be shooting, scoring, passing, rebounding, or defense. The lottery-ranked prospects tend to check off a couple of those boxes.
In the case of Mitchell, those checkboxes add up quickly. First of all, he’s equally talented on both sides of the hardwood. A scrappy defender who would garner minutes on any NBA team based on that ability alone.
Yet, his offensive skill set is perhaps what is more surprising and also why he keeps climbing higher on mock drafts and big boards. Teammate Jared Butler was drawing more attention initially, but given the fact he’s dishing over five dimes a game while sharing playmaking responsibilities is noteworthy.
Yet, it’s his versatility and ever-improving offensive skillset as the reason to pay attention to the 6’2″ guard. This season he averaged 14.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.0 steals.
His commitment to improvement is most obvious by his improved shooting. With Auburn in his first season, he shot the 3-ball at 28.8 percent efficiency. In his second season with Baylor, he’s connecting from deep with a robust 45.0 percent efficiency on 4.5 attempts. His speed and ability to drive to the basket are equally appealing.
Not all guards have mastered running the pick and roll at this stage, but he’s adept in that area and a guard who not only plays with his head up to constantly observe the floor but makes the right pass showcasing his high I.Q.
Again, the age and position may deter Sam Presti although he’s a player who would be worth the selection particularly if the OKC Thunder ends up with some of those extra picks conveying this season. One thing is certain, with comparisons to Marcus Smart and knowing how Lu Dort has worked out for the Thunder — Mitchell requires a long hard look.
With the depth and talent of this draft, Presti won’t be selected based on a positional need. Rather he’ll take the best talent on the board. The question is how many picks will he be making and in what position.