2017 NBA Draft: Top shooting guards Chicago Bulls can target
Donovan Mitchell — Louisville (6-foot-3, 210 pounds)
Mitchell’s stock has risen since his sophomore season. He came off the bench as a freshman and his play was up-and-down. Then he put it together his second season, resulting in being named to the First Team All-ACC and All-Defensive Team. By the end of the season, Mitchell was a critical member of Rick Pitino‘s Cardinals.
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Mitchell’s stock continued to grow at the NBA Combine. HIs athleticism, his measurements (6-foot-10 wingspan, 8-foot-1 standing reach, 40.5-inch max vertical) together with his shooting and interviews may propel him as high as a lottery pick by some. He gives his coaches flexibility with his ability to play combo guard.
Mitchell really worked on his shooting, especially the three. He shot 25 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman. As a sophomore, he shot 35.4 percent, even though he attempted triple the number of attempts (226 attempts in 2016 compared to just 72 in 2015). His mechanics are good, so his continued improvement should be expected. Part of the improvement comes with his shot selection. He has a tendency to take tough, contested shots. If he becomes more selective, his shooting percentage will rise.
Mitchell’s bulk helps him take the pounding he’ll take going into the paint on a regular basis. His leaping ability makes it so he can get to the rim (though he sometimes tends to depend on jumping with both feet).
With his physical tools and the time in Pitino’s program, Mitchell developed into an elite defensive force. You can depend on having him defend both guard positions and even some small forwards effectively. He is highly competitive and fights for loose balls and loves to take on players full court. His combination of physical skills and anticipation and basketball IQ make him an asset on defense.
Playing defense is what will help make MItchell’s mark in the NBA early. Playing behind Wade will do him wonders. He can learn from a hall of famer and Wade can help develop Mitchell’s offensive skills. He can be much like Jimmy Butler, who had a limited offensive game early in the NBA then developed into an all-around force. The Bulls can have a steal if they pick up Mitchell in the middle of the first round.