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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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May 25, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) reacts after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter of game five of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) reacts after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter of game five of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Upside Comparison: Avery Bradley

The most common upside comparison for Donovan Mitchell is Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley. Those with a League Pass addiction are likely ecstatic about that revelation, while those who check the box scores are likely underwhelmed.

Some fans may not agree, but if the New York Knicks draft a legitimate lockdown defender with positional versatility and a jump shot, Phil Jackson will have aced the 2017 NBA Draft.

Bradley is one of the most dominant on-ball defenders in the NBA, and Mitchell has the same potential. Bradley has two All-Defensive Team nods on his resume, and deserved a third selection for covering up Isaiah Thomas’ glaring deficiencies in 2016-17.

For a Knicks team that couldn’t stop a nosebleed in 2016-17—or 2013-14, 2014-15, or 2015-16—acquiring a player who’s willing and able to lock players down would be undeniably appealing.

Despite the fact that Bradley averaged 16.3 points per game in 2016-17, the general consensus is that Mitchell has a higher offensive ceiling. He’ll need to improve his left hand and finishing ability, but the tools are in place for him to average upwards of 20 points per game.

If the Knicks were to draft Avery Bradley with a better offensive game, they’d essentially be getting an All-Star who can guard an opponents’ best scorer on a nightly basis.

Must Read: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: How the Knicks can acquire a second lottery pick?

With good reason, the New York Knicks have Donovan Mitchell near the top of the big board.

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