2017 NBA Mock Draft: New York Knicks and the value of the point guard

11. Charlotte Hornets: Donovan Mitchell, Louisville Cardinals

Position: Shooting Guard
Age: 20 (9/7/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’3″, 211 pounds, 6’10”
2016-17 Slash Line: .408/.354/.806
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.3 MPG, 15.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.1 SPG, 2.4 3PM

The Charlotte Hornets need a player who can consistently create their own shot. That may seem like a basic pursuit, but the Hornets have applied too much pressure to Kemba Walker as it pertains to creating on the offensive end of the floor.

If the Hornets are willing to embrace the small-ball movement, then the ideal prospect to complement Walker would be Louisville Cardinals shooting guard Donovan Mitchell.

Mitchell stands at just 6’3”, but he boasts a 6’10” wingspan and a 210-pound frame. He’s garnered comparisons to Avery Bradley for his lockdown defensive potential, and shares the strengths of a reliable 3-point shot and improving handles.

Mitchell still struggles to go left, but his abilities to space the floor, score in isolation, and occasionally create for his teammates would provide significant relief to Walker.

If Charlotte were to commit to this, it would be embracing the small-ball movement. It could start Walker and Mitchell in the backcourt, Nicolas Batum and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist at the two forward spots, and either Frank Kaminsky or Cody Zeller at center.

Another option would be to package this pick in a trade, but Mitchell has the defensive-mindedness and offensive versatility that Steve Clifford covets from his players.