Know The Prospect: Davion Mitchell

In March and April, Davion Mitchell played a huge role for the Baylor Bears as they romped to the program’s first National Championship. Less than two weeks later, he declared for the 2021 NBA Draft and is protected to be a mid first-round pick.

Davion Mitchell, 6’2” and 205 pounds, is an intriguing prospect heading into the 2021 NBA Draft. He started out his collegiate career at Auburn and transferred to Baylor. Mitchell earned the 2021 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, 2021 Lefty Driesell Award winner, and two-time Big 12 All-Defensive Team (2020, 2021).

The guard showed his toughness on the court and showed to be a leader on a title-winning Baylor team. He averaged 14.0 points, 5.5 assists and 1.9 steals per game, while shooting 51.1 percent from the field and 44.7 percent from beyond the arc during the 2020-21 season.

Davion Mitchell was an efficient shooter last season and showcased an improve jump shot. He shot 40.9 percent from the field as a sophomore and saw that number jump to 51.1 percent, while seeing a similar increase in his three-point percentage. The former Baylor guard 32.4 percent from deep in his second collegiate season and 44.7 percent in the 2020-21 season. Mitchell showed to be a top-notch shooter from all areas of the court.

Along with his shooting, Davion Mitchell brings a lot to the table. He has great quickness and shiftiness for a guard, which made him a tough match-up. Mitchell runs the pick-and-roll well and always tries to find teammates in great spots (5.5 APG last season).

Davion Mitchell was an elite defender and one of best on ball defenders in the country last season. Not only is he a good communicator on defense, but he does good job at contesting shots well without fouling. Mitchell was always locked in on defense and possesses great intensity on the defensive end, which he showed to shut down opposing players any and every night. The former Baylor guard has quick hands, which he used to force turnovers (1.9 SPG last season).

Mitchell does have a few things he will need to improve on. He isn’t a strong free throw shooter (64.1% last season). The 6’2” guard doesn’t possess a good wingspan and not a good rebounder for a guard (2.6 last season). He will need to make improvements as the ball-handler in the pick and roll. One question around the former Baylor guard: Can he replicate his efficient shooting in the NBA? Mitchell is one of the older prospects in the 2021 NBA Draft and will be 23 years old at the start of the 2021-22 season.

Davion Mitchell will bring solid defense and shooting into the 2021-22 season. He showed great confidence and great motor, along with being a leader on a Baylor team that had success the past two seasons. Mitchell has the potential to be a solid rotation player and could fit into what Knicks are looking for. Mitchell is projected to be selected in the middle of the first round and would be an intriguing prospect for New York, if he falls into the 20’s or if the team decides to trade up.

The Knicks hold the 19th, 21st, 32nd (via Detroit) and No. 58 (via Philadelphia) picks in the 2021 NBA Draft.