New York Knicks: Top 10 2017 NBA Draft Prospects In The NCAA Tournament

9. Donovan Mitchell, Louisville Cardinals

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 20 (9/7/1996)
Height & Weight: 6’3″ & 210 pounds
2016-17 Slash Line: .413/.363/.800
2016-17 Season Averages: 31.9 MPG, 15.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.6 APG, 2.1 SPG, 2.4 3PM

The Louisville Cardinals are a team that wins and loses based off of how well they perform on defense. That inevitably increases the attractiveness of Donovan Mitchell as a prospect in the 2017 NBA Draft.

The New York Knicks need 3-and-D players to round out the perimeter, and if they were to acquire a pick in the 20-to-30 range, Mitchell would be an ideal target.

Mitchell is a true two-way player who has the marks of a Rick Pitino player. He’s a rugged defender and a skilled 3-point shooter, which creates the potential for him to be a Courtney Lee type of contributor.

Mitchell has also displayed the ability to play above the rim and create for others as a quality facilitator who can find his teammates out around the perimeter.

Mitchell is likely to be available in the 20-to-30 range, which means New York would have to trade for a second first-round draft pick. If New York opts to do so, then Mitchell could be an outstanding fit alongside the point guard who’s selected in the Top 10.

The New York Knicks need to improve on defense. It’s players like Mitchell who can help build a healthier culture.