Fansided

2017 FanSided NBA Network Mock Draft: Let the experts decide

By Staff

March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-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 /
11

Donovan Mitchell

Shooting Guard, Louisville

With Dennis Smith and Malik Monk off the board, Donovan Mitchell is not only the best guard still available but he is also the best fit for the Hornets. While he isn’t a natural point guard, the 6-foot-3 prospect could make the transition. Charlotte’s biggest need is a backup point guard who can score consistently to help take some of the load off of Kemba Walker’s shoulders and that’s exactly what the 20-year old brings to the table.

Mitchell checks all of the boxes for Charlotte. He is a good defender, a solid two-way player and someone who can not only create his own shot but also for his teammates. He still needs to improve his decision making and outside shooting ability but the former should come with experience and more playing time as the primary ball handler while the latter will take some work but just like Kemba has shown, it isn’t impossible to work and develop a consistent perimeter shot.

The foundation is there for Mitchell as he shot 35.4 percent from 3 during his sophomore season. Donovan has good length and athleticism for the pro game as well with a 6-foot-10 wingspan and a 40.5-inch vertical. His scoring should have no trouble translating to the NBA. Steve Clifford would also have the choice to play the Louisville product alongside Walker which would give them a lethal scoring backcourt tandem like the one the Hornets had with Jeremy Lin which yielded success only a couple years ago.

— Jerry Stephens, Swarm and Sting, @SwarmNSting