The Miami Heat were supposed to have a point guard problem. That played no small part in the excitement surrounding their selection of Kasparas Jakucionis as the No. 20 pick of this year's NBA draft. It also presumably played a role in Miami's adoption of a movement-based offense that lessens the need for a primary playmaker.
But Davion Mitchell had a different idea. An apparent throw-in to last season's five-team megatrade that sent out Jimmy Butler, Mitchell impressed down the stretch and convinced Miami to keep him around on a two-year, $24 million deal. That contract already looks like one of the league's better bargains, with Mitchell picking up where he left off and then some.
Mitchell has been a quietly critical stabilizer for the Heat
When Mitchell arrived in Miami at last season's trade deadline, the No. 9 pick of the 2021 draft brought with him a pretty defined reputation as a dogged defender and limited offensive contributor.
The first part of that label has certainly lived up to the billing. He's been a dynamic, disruptive presence as the Heat's preferred point-of-attack defender. So far this season, he sits in the 82nd percentile—alongside 2024-25 All-Defensive second-teamer Toumani Camara—for estimated defensive plus/minus, per Dunks & Threes.
The second part, though—i.e., the one that convinced both the Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors to trade Mitchell away—simply hasn't materialized. In fact, Mitchell has managed to directly challenge the notion that the Heat don't have a legitimate lead guard.
He is one of only 18 players across the Association averaging at least seven assists. Among that group, only he and LeBron James, who's suited up just once, are averaging fewer than two turnovers.
Mitchell has been, in other words, one of the more efficient table-setters around. More impressively, he hasn't served as simply a passing specialist, either. He's averaging double-digit points for the first time in his career (10.2) and is one of only eight guards who are simultaneously averaging 10-plus points while shooting at least 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from three, per StatHead Basketball.
In terms of offensive efficiency, Mitchell's plus-4.5 differential ranks third among Miami's rotation regulars. The only two players in front of him are culture caretaker Bam Adebayo and breakout star Norman Powell.
Mitchell has been, in a word, freakin' awesome. He may not be the first, second, or even third name that comes to mind when trying to make sense of Miami's strong start, but the Heat wouldn't be holding their head above water without him.
While it's uncertain how long this feel-good story will last—his role could change upon Tyler Herro's impending return, and there's always a chance the Heat swing big for a perimeter star—the vibes are immaculate so far. Mitchell has been a true find as the floor general that so many thought Miami was without.