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NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 14: Markelle Fultz is still no. 1

By Chris Stone

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 4, 2017; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) controls the ball during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Silvio O. Conte Forum. The Louisville Cardinals won 90-67. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) controls the ball during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Silvio O. Conte Forum. The Louisville Cardinals won 90-67. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Donovan Mitchell

SG, Louisville

Louisville’s Donovan Mitchel is in the midst of a sophomore breakout. After playing in just 19.1 minutes per game as a freshman, he’s now averaging 30.7 in his second season. Most notably, Mitchell has taken on a much larger offensive role for the Cardinals as he’s used 25.0 percent of the team’s possessions when he’s been on the court. The 20-year old is averaging 15.0 points per game (19.6 per 40 minutes) on a pretty average 53.7 true shooting percentage. Mitchell has seemingly improved his outside shot and is hitting 2.9 3s per 40 minutes as a sophomore while shooting 36.1 percent from behind the arc. The jumper helps open up the offensive game for Mitchell who is already a good slasher with elite athleticism.

That athleticism combines with Mitchell’s length to make him a super intriguing defender. At 6-foot-3, Mitchell will be confined to defending perimeter players, but he’s already shown himself capable of staying in front of opponents and tracking them through screens. Even more exciting is Mitchell’s propensity for creating turnovers. He’s averaging 2.9 steals per 40 minutes for Louisville this season.

For Utah, Mitchell is an enticing rotation piece who will allow their defense to stay on point when the starters hit the bench and who offers some hopeful offensive upside.