Detroit Pistons: 5 options for pick No. 12 in 2017 NBA Draft
By Max Holm
2. Donovan Mitchell, PG/SG, Louisville
In terms of fit, few players in this range work as well for Detroit as Donovan Mitchell. The Pistons have no one reliable at the point guard position and could use some extra ball handling. Mitchell stepped up in a huge way at Louisville by taking on point guard duties. Though he’s 6-foot-3, Mitchell doesn’t have the ball skills to be a point guard, at least right away.
He could grow into that role though. At the very least, the Pistons would be taking on a defensive bulldog who can play either guard position. Mitchell is built to mold into any lineup or team Detroit wants in the future. He can play on or off ball and defend the opponent’s best guard. With age, he might even be able to survive on some small forwards thanks to his athleticism and 6-foot-10 wingspan.
After showing tremendous growth as a shooter, I envision a killer lineup of him, Caldwell-Pope, Morris and Harris. There you have decent shooting and the ability to switch multiples positions.
Mitchell is the type of player that won’t win you a game by a last second shot, but will based off everything else he does over the course of a contest. That type of player is severely lacking in Detroit.