2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 26: The Timberwolves’ young core improves

Draft status: In without an agent

One thing that has seemingly become clear in the Milwaukee Bucks’ draft decisions is that the front office values length and versatility in the players on its roster. Although he’s only 6-foot-3, Louisville’s Donovan Mitchell would fit that mold because of his 6-foot-8 wingspan and ability to defend either guard position. Mitchell is a very solid defender despite spending most of his time playing in the Cardinals’ zone scheme. That zone is a bit different than others as it often falls back into matchups and provides more of an opportunity for the players in it to defend one-on-one. Mitchell used his length to accrue 2.6 steals per 40 minutes as a sophomore and while he won’t be switchable across a litany of positions, he does bring some decent versatility to the table.

Offensively, Mitchell figures to post up off the ball as a spot up shooter. He made significant strides in his second season, knocking down 35.4 percent of his 226 attempts. He boosted his volume and shot it better at the free throw line as well. There is a low probability chance that Mitchell develops into a bit of a creator as well. Perhaps that allow him to play “point guard” in lineups where Giannis Antetokounmpo is the primary ball-handler.