Heat rumors: Miami to work out 2017 NBA Draft prospect Donovan Mitchell
By Wes Goldberg
One of the fastest rising NBA Draft prospects will work out for the Miami Heat this week.
Louisville guard Donovan Mitchell has been rising up draft boards due to his athleticism and upside. On Tuesday, the Miami Heat will get a look at him, according to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson.
"Donovan Mitchell, a 6-3 combo guard projected for Miami’s draft range at No. 14, will work out for the Heat on Tuesday, according to league sources."
Mitchell’s calling card is defense. At 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, he has the length and quickness that allows him to stay in front of opponents and disrupt passing lanes. He averaged 2.1 steals per game in his sophomore season, and was first-team All-ACC Defense. He’s also an excellent rebounder and athlete who dunks on opponents with regularity.
The question marks about Mitchell are on offense. He mostly played shooting guard at Louisville, and needs more practice running an offense if he’s going to be a lead guard in the NBA. He also needs to become a more consistent scorer. Mitchell shot just 40 percent in his sophomore season, and 35.4 percent on 6.6 3-pointers per game (and that rate won’t be as high from NBA range).
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But if Mitchell can get to the rim consistently and find a couple of sweet spots, he should be okay. His defense will get him on the court early, which will give him a chance to develop on the offensive end.
The Ringer, which has Mitchell going 12th to the Detroit Pistons, writes in their scouting report:
"“Elite defensive potential: aggressive, versatile, plays with reckless abandon, great rebounder” and “Potential pick-and-roll playmaker; He has passing vision, sees the open man, and mainly needs to add more dynamic passes.”"
The negatives have to do with decision making and his size. He’s an undersized 2-guard, but not polished enough to play point guard full time.
If the Heat select Mitchell at No. 14, he could come off the bench and develop until he can fill a full-time starting position. He’d also be insurance in case Dion Waiters doesn’t re-sign, or if the team needs to waive Wayne Ellington, whose $6.3 million contract isn’t guaranteed until July 7.
Next: Six players the Heat can pick at No. 14
Mitchell has huge upside, and everyone in Miami’s range has some question marks. That’s what separates him from the guards at the top of the draft–the likes of Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball and De’Aaron Fox–but if he reaches his potential, he could be as good as any guard selected on June 22.