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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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Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center.
Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center. /

Defensive Impact

The New York Knicks finished the 2016-17 NBA regular season at No. 23 in points allowed per game and No. 25 in points allowed per 100 possessions. It finished 2015-16 at No. 18 in defensive efficiency, 2014-15 at No. 28, and 2013-14 at No. 24.

Those may be fluctuating numbers, but the facts remain the same: both before and after Phil Jackson’s arrival, the Knicks have struggled on defense.

Thankfully, Donovan Mitchell is the perfect player to help create a consistent commitment to defensive execution. The foundation for his draft stock is that he may be the best on-ball defender amongst the guards in this draft class.

With his 6’10” wingspan, 210-pound frame, and elite athleticism, Mitchell has the physical tools to lock up players at both guard spots.

While many have the physical capabilities to play defense, Mitchell is a pest on that end of the floor. He picks guards up from 94 feet, fights over screens, and hounds ball-handlers to not only force bad shots, but create turnovers.

If the Knicks were to select Mitchell in the 2017 NBA Draft, they’d be getting a player who’s not only capable of defending at a high level, but prides himself on doing so.

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