New York Knicks: Is Donovan Mitchell An Option In 2017 NBA Draft?

1. Defensive Potential

Nothing should matter more to the New York Knicks during the 2017 offseason than improving on defense. Elite offensive teams generally have a ceiling if they fail to execute at an at least above-average level on defense.

In the case of the Knicks, it’s an absence of ideal perimeter defense that’s hurt them most—and that’s where Donovan Mitchell comes in.

Mitchell may be a 6’3″ shooting guard, but he’s also an explosive athlete with elite speed, agility, and leaping ability. Perhaps most importantly, he’s a notorious ball hawk with a 6’10” wingspan and the willingness to get into a player’s jersey.

A product of Rick Pitino’s Louisville Cardinals, it’s all but guaranteed that Mitchell will be effective as a defender if he’s coached properly in the NBA.

Mitchell finished the 2016-17 season with an average of 2.1 steals per game and 2.6 steals per 40 minutes. He has no trouble getting his hands into the passing lanes and has the potential to lock opponents down.

If the Knicks are looking for players with whom they can improve the defense, then Mitchell should be one of the top targets.

Must Read: The New York Knicks worked out five 2017 NBA Draft prospects

The New York Knicks should only draft Donovan Mitchell if Phil Jackson acquires a second first-round draft pick, but he should be on the radar.