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HH Draft Profile: Donovan Mitchell

By Alex Eddy

Feb 4, 2017; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) controls the ball during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Silvio O. Conte Forum. The Louisville Cardinals won 90-67. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) controls the ball during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Silvio O. Conte Forum. The Louisville Cardinals won 90-67. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Donovan Mitchell: Louisville, SG

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 200 pounds

Age: 20

Click on the name for up to date stats: Donovan Mitchell

Strengths

Improvement:

Mitchell has improved in almost every facet of his game. He has more than doubled his points per game, going from 7.4 points a season ago to 15.1 points this season. He has also improved his free throw percentage, rebounds per game, assists per game, blocks per game, and steals per game. More importantly, he has improved as a 3-point shooter and is now a legitimate threat from outside. He went from shooting 25.0% from 3 last year to shooting 35.9% this year. He has become a go to scorer for the Cardinals this season. His confidence has gone up and so has his game.

Defensive Potential:

Despite his size, Mitchell is an outstanding defender. He is only 6’3”, but has surprising athleticism and length. He is number one in the ACC in steals per game at 2.2. Mitchell also has superb quickness, which helps him on switches and when covering speedy opponents. He can match up with both guard positions. Contributing on the defensive end will help Mitchell earn minutes in the NBA, thus helping his overall development.

Feb 13, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives the ball past Syracuse Orange guard Tyus Battle (25) during the first half of a game at the Carrier Dome. Louisville won in overtime 72-72. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives the ball past Syracuse Orange guard Tyus Battle (25) during the first half of a game at the Carrier Dome. Louisville won in overtime 72-72. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Weaknesses

Tweener:

Mitchell is stuck between being a point guard and a shooting guard. He plays some point guard for Louisville, but primarily plays off the ball because Quentin Snider is the true point guard for the Cardinals. He seems to be more of a natural shooting guard than a facilitator. Although he has the physical attributes, it will be very tough for him at his size to be a legit shooting guard in the NBA. This will especially be the case when attempting to drive to the basket, or shooting over taller opponents.

Efficiency:

Mitchell still falls in love with tough, contested shots sometimes. He is actually shooting at a lower percentage from the field this year opposed to last year. Some of his perimeter shots are extremely questionable, and this will need to be fixed up at the next level. Being small for his position, Mitchell won’t be able to get away with taking bad shots in the NBA. He’ll need to make sure he plays smart at all times.

Overview:

Mitchell is very tough for his size, and is a tremendous on ball defender. He is a great competitor, and can definitely bring energy to a ball club. He has made huge strides when it comes to improving his all-around game from a season ago. He still needs to work on his efficiency and shot selection. I see Mitchell as a late first round pick come the summer.

Next: HH Draft Profile: Frank Ntilikina