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Knicks Rumors: Five reasons to select Donovan Mitchell in 2017 NBA Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 7, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates their win against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at McCamish Pavilion. The Cardinals won 65-50. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates their win against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at McCamish Pavilion. The Cardinals won 65-50. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 13, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives the ball past Syracuse Orange guard Tyus Battle (25) during the first half of a game at the Carrier Dome. Louisville won in overtime 72-72. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives the ball past Syracuse Orange guard Tyus Battle (25) during the first half of a game at the Carrier Dome. Louisville won in overtime 72-72. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Versatility

Donovan Mitchell doesn’t yet have an offensive skill that he can turn to on a consistent basis. He’s inconsistent when finishing at the rim, displayed erratic shot selection from distance, and has a shaky left hand when driving the lane.

With the flaws stated and addressed, it’s worth noting that Mitchell has the upside and existing abilities to become a high-level offensive player at the next level.

Mitchell’s speed, quickness, and explosive leaping ability should enable him to make noise in transition and finish above the rim. He’s a ball hawk and a hound on defense, which should create said fast break opportunities.

Mitchell will need to improve his left hand, but he already has a strong enough right to drive the lane and get to the rim—leaving the final step of being more confident as a finisher.

Although he may not be an ace facilitator, Mitchell averaged 3.4 assists to 2.0 turnovers per 40 minutes between his two seasons at Louisville. He sees the floor well enough to distribute the ball, and the triangle offense would alleviate pressure in that regard.

Mitchell has work to do on the offensive end of the floor, but he’d be playing in the perfect system to highlight his strengths and temporarily mask his weaknesses.

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