Backup plan if we lose the lotto pick - target Mitchell...
Sounds like scouts are considering him a lottery pick (possibly) - see article below.
The problem is, it would be harder to deal for a late lotto pick this summer with the lack of assets we have...
https://247sports.com/Article/Davion-Mitchell-Baylor-stats-NBA-comparison--163352684/'He's definitely a lottery pick:' Davion Mitchell soaring up NBA Draft boards
ByTRAVIS BRANHAM 2 hours ago
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With footwork and shiftiness evoking a college football slot receiver, Baylor point guard Davion Mitchell took the Elite 8 by storm Monday night, scoring 10 his 12 points at the rim and delivering to the Bears a big second-half bucket whenever they needed it.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Mitchell - averaging 14.0 points, 2.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists this season - has been a big riser as a senior and is bound to be much higher than his current ranking of No. 24 when 247Sports updates its Big Board after the NCAA Tournament.
“It doesn’t take a genius to see and say that Davion has bolstered his standing within most NBA peoples’ eyes but this is what he has shown over the past year," said one NBA scout. "A demon of a defender that can make shots, can distribute in a pinch and is one of the best scorers at the basket for someone his size."
"There is concern regarding his true size and if his shooting numbers are legit," the scout added. "Can he be a lead guard that makes others better? Does his shot resort back to what it was in years past? Has Baylor and its schemes just enhanced his abilities so that he is playing a bit over his head? That is TBD, but I find it's nearly impossible for Mitchell to fall out of the first round and if there is a combine with a Mitchell present, his stock only taking off further from there.”
Mitchell committed to Auburn back in 2015 and was a member of the 2017 class. He transferred after in 2018 after the writing was on the wall he'd back up Jared Harper, and now he’s filling Harper’s role as a diminutive, impossible-to-stay-with point guard on a terrific Final Four team.
“He's a top notch defender, everyone is really excited about his development as a player,” said another NBA scout. "His trajectory is what you want to see. He has an NBA body where he can step on the court immediately and contribute on the defensive end. Coaches love guys that can bring something consistently and defense is something that he can bring consistently to every single game. He's elite from that perspective."
Given his makeup as a player and his physical tools, Mitchell projects to fill a similar role as Fred Van Vleet and Jalen Brunson: A sixth man who can function as a starter, with the ability to score, make plays for others and play outstanding defense.
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On Saturday, Mitchell will have a major challenge presented to him as he takes on Houston in the Final Four. The Cougars are tough, athletic and hard-nosed, making them arguably the best defensive team in the country. Look for the Cougars to pressure Mitchell the way Arkansas did with their run-and-jump style. It should be a good test for Mitchell to prove his mettle as his stock continues to soar.
"He's lottery — definitely a lottery pick," one scout said. "I don't think there is any chance he slips out of the lottery at this point."