DONOVAN MITCHELL
BIRTHDATE: 9/7/96
POSITION: Shooting Guard
HEIGHT: 6'3"
WEIGHT: 215 lbs
SCHOOL/ TEAM: Louisville
CLASS: Sophomore
OFFENSE
*Lacks ideal height for an NBA 2 guard but is strong and has good length to compensate some
*Explosive athlete with a quick first step and can play above the rim on lobs/open drives
*Shoots from all levels in transition. Will pull up from 3/midrange and gets to the rim
*Can move too fast on the break and miss the finish too strong off the glass, with him flying out of bounds
*Does have the makings of a nice euro step and a quick spin move he flashes in transition
*Has a decent handle but lacks the creativity of primary ballhandlers on the next level
*In the second half of his sophomore year, he grew into a much better shooter with signs of NBA range
*Still more streaky than deadeye shooter, capable of huge runs and droughts
*Solid shot mechanics and he’s improving his consistency
*Good lift on his jumper and he can catch and set quickly in spot up
*Struggles shooting coming off pin downs and flare screens.
*Doesn’t fully square his body and fades to whatever direction he was moving in originally
*Can hit the one dribble pull up when attacking closeouts and the step back jumper
*Could really use a floater package but it’s not in his game right now. Can get there much easier than the rim… tends to push it too far
*Can finish at the rim with both hands but struggles in traffic
*Can get the occasional tip dunk but generally struggles finishing after an offensive rebound
*Creates separation with picks and DHOs
*Very effective PNR ballhandler on the left side of the floor driving to his right
*Equally very ineffective on the other side. Struggles shooting when going to his left and he’s small to finish along the baseline
*Can split the defenders and finish the play in the middle of the floor
*Can drive and kick a little but generally pulls up off ball screens from 3 and deep 2s
*Decent vision out of the PNR. Can find the roll man and crosscourt shooters
*Doesn’t always put passes in the best place for his teammate to make a quick move
DEFENSE
*Not a physical defender
*Tries to take a step off the ball and use his length to his advantage
*Doesn’t play with a good stance consistently, too upright
*A bit jumpy defending the ball but slides his feet decently when he’s in a good defensive stance
*Can also be pushed around in the post and in rebounding situations
*Had zone responsibilities but didn’t fight for post position and is fairly easy to pin by the rim
*Has sneaky quick hands but can gamble for steals and pick up fouls/give up baskets
*Has decent timing on the shot blocking attempts in his zone
*Does a good job contesting shooters when he closes out but susceptible to quick drives off the ball fake
*If he’s blown by at the 3 point line, he’s no longer a factor in the play unless the offense resets
KHAIRI AKILI - MARCH 12, 2017
Donovan Mitchell is a more of combo guard than point guard. He's got talent in the PNR, he splits hedges like you want guys to do. He's got a strong frame with long arms which should allow him to get away with playing the 2 even though he's probably 6'3". Mitchell is a good athlete.
Just watching Mitchell shoot, you'd think he was a great shooter but he only shoots 39% from the floor and 35% from 3. He struggles to finish in traffic and looks a lot like inefficient scorer. I think he can play but he'll need to be lights out from 3 to stick around.
STRENGTHS:
Great mechanics
Strong frame with long arms
Combo guard
Good athlete
Plays like a less athletic Eric Gordon
Good in PNR, splits hedges
Good playmaker
CONCERNS:
Does he shoot well enough to stick?
Is he a shooter or a scorer? (35% from 3)
Inefficient (39% fg)
Struggles to finish in traffic
JAMES BARLOWE - JANUARY 31, 2017
