Davion Mitchell emerged as a college star in Baylor’s title run, just a few years after transferring in from Auburn. As a redshirt junior, Mitchell averaged 14 PPG, 5.5 APG, 2.7 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG, and 2.4 TOPG on 51/45/64 in the 2020-21 season. Below is his full scouting report:
Height/Weight: 6’2/ 205
Wingspan/ standing reach: N/A
Hand size: N/A
Position: Combo Guard
College: Baylor
Tools: Athleticism, defense
Pros:
- Pesky defender with outstanding on-ball defensive ability
- Quick burst allows him to beat defenders 1-on-1
- Can stop on a dime and set his feet on jumpers
- Patient playmaker in P&R
- Plus defensive recovery ability
Cons:
- Needs to improve shooting base to prove consistent shooting
- Must get a more consistent runner/floater
- Might struggle to score at the rim against bigs
- Lacks above-the-rim finishing
Overall: Davion Mitchell had a wildly successful senior season, breaking out as a shooter and becoming a household name defensively after a strong first year at Baylor in 2019-20. With quick feet on both ends and outstanding all-around athleticism, Mitchell’s defense is his calling card in the NBA. He has elite recovery ability, elite footspeed, and a mild wingspan of roughly 6’5 (pre-combine). Offensively, he has arguably the best stop-and-go ability in the draft, using his combination of a quick first step and outstanding deceleration, and the ability to set his feet for jumpers help him throw off defenses. If Mitchell can improve as a finisher and develop more finishing moves, his offensive ceiling gets raised quite a bit. Additionally, Mitchell’s low free throw percentage and outlier 3 point percentage make his shooting skeptical to buy into at times, despite clean shooting form. Players at Mitchell’s age often don’t see great improvements and jumps in their game, but Mitchell seems like a strong candidate to defy the odds.
Similar to: Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, Donte DiVincenzo
Projected draft range: 8-20
Games watched: Iowa State (1/2), OU 1/6, @ TCU, Texas Tech 1/16, Auburn, Texas 2/3, Hartford
Expected role: Starting combo guard with defensive prowess, shooting ability, and overall glue-guy value
Unplayable if: Highly unlikely to become unplayable given his elite on-ball skill, but jump shooting reduces his defensive successes. His offense also could also see a decline if he is unable to finish over bigs in the NBA.
Exceeds expectations if: Shooting translates and his ability to score at the rim is neutral or better.
