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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 24: Time to randomize the lottery!

By Chris Stone

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) takes a shot during warm-ups before the start of a game against the UCLA Bruins 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) takes a shot during warm-ups before the start of a game against the UCLA Bruins at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 26, 2017; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dunks against Syracuse Orange forward Taurean Thompson (12) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Syracuse 88-68. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dunks against Syracuse Orange forward Taurean Thompson (12) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Syracuse 88-68. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /
17

Donovan Mitchell

SG, Louisville

Draft status: In without an agent

If one thing has become abundantly clear during the early stages of the NBA Playoffs, it is that this Milwaukee Bucks’ roster filled with great length is difficult to deal with. Although Donovan Mitchell is just 6-foot-3, his 6-foot-8 wingspan should fit the mold of what the Bucks are looking for in a prospect. He projects as a shooting guard, but with Giannis Antetokounmpo often doing the ball-handling, Mitchell could spend some time in the “point guard” role for Milwaukee, which would make his lack of height less of a factor.

Mitchell has been a terrific defender during his time at Louisville. He averaged 2.6 steals per 40 minutes as a sophomore as he used his quick hands, instincts and length to disrupt passing lanes and bother ball-handlers. He won’t be as switchable as many of Milwaukee’s defenders, but he should be able to tackle both guard positions at the NBA level.

Offensively, Mitchell is an improving 3-point shooter. He made 35.4 percent of his 226 attempts this season. He experienced a massive volume increase from his freshman campaign and also boosted his free throw shooting in the process. Mitchell is also an excellent athlete who can throw down some big slams, especially in transition.