OKC Thunder NBA draft profile: Davion Mitchell – the defensive guard
Pro Comparison:
Scan the names offered up as comparisons for Davion Mitchell and one common denominator is guards who are considered quality defenders like Jrue Holiday and Marcus Smart.
I’m not as sold on the Donovan Mitchell and Norman Powell offerings. Mitchell isn’t a player who hunts his own shot enough nor do I see him growing into the top offensive threat like Donovan Mitchell. Powell is more of a 3-point specialist and doesn’t take on much of he playmaking responsibilities.
Smart feels like the best role model for Davion to emuate with the Georgia native likely to provide backup point guard duties.
OKC Thunder fit:
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Davion Mitchell definitely falls in the range of the OKC Thunder sixth pick but it’s doubtful Sam Presti will pinpoint him in that spot.
While his defensive ability is compelling there are too many deterrents to him being the prospect tapped here. It’s likely the Bear’s guard will be featured as a Sixth Man option running the offense and providing the grit and leadership on defense for his team’s reserve unit.
OKC is invested in developing Theo Maledon who offers greater height and playmaking. There’s an argument Mitchell could provide the Luguentz Dort reserve role for the Thunder but again that seems far-fetched especially with the team leaning toward adding lengthier players to develop a positionles system.
Intentions believes Sam Presti will be actively working the phones to move up in the draft but even if he fails to accomplish that feat we don’t believe Mitchell would be the player the VP selects with the sixth pick.