Davion Mitchell's numbers don't always jump off the stat sheet, but he's the perfect example of why Erik Spoelstra should be considered the best coach in the NBA. Spo perfectly utilizes a player's strengths and weaknesses, unlike many other coaches in the league, and Mitchell's career year this season is just another clear example of this.
Spo holds players to standards and challenges them every night. He has the unique ability to take a player who has struggled in the past and build a system to fit what they can do best. Spo has made a living doing this in Miami, and Mitchell is the latest player to see the dividends of trusting (and buying into) the Heat's coaching staff.
Davion Mitchell is thriving in Miami
Through the first month of the season, Mitchell is practically posting career marks across the board. He's averaging 10 points and seven assists per game on 50 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range.
Even with Tyler Herro on the verge of a return, it's going to be awfully difficult for Spo to move Mitchell to the bench. But even if he does, there's no question that Mitchell is going to continue to play a big role for the team.
He's completely changed this team's defensive dynamic, giving the Heat their long-desired point of attack defender. This is not only the perfect role for Mitchell, but Spo has managed to utilize Mitchell's strengths to the point where he's the exact role player that the Heat needs at the point guard position.
Taking Spo's influence a step further, he's also unlocked an element of Mitchell's game that was too often overlooked. His playmaking ability.
Many will be quick to talk about Mitchell's defense, and understandably so. However, he's quietly leading the Heat in assists per game. Maybe that changes when Herro returns, but that's not something that should go unnoticed.
Considering the impact that Mitchell has made this season, it's pretty crazy that he was somewhat of a throwaway addition at last year's NBA Trade Deadline. It's also been a blessing for both sides. I can't imagine a better situation for Mitchell than the Heat, and Miami desperately needed a player like Mitchell at the top of their defense.
Many will be quick to praise Mitchell for his play this season, and he deserves all the praise and recognition. However, let's not forget the influence that a coach like Spo can have on a player like Mitchell. It does seem as if Mitchell has finally found a long-term home in the NBA.