The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Re-drafting the 2017 NBA Draft lottery

By Christopher Kline

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Potential top draftees Lonzo Ball (L), Markelle Fultz (C) and De'Aaron Fox (R) look on before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Potential top draftees Lonzo Ball (L), Markelle Fultz (C) and De'Aaron Fox (R) look on before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Donovan Mitchell. 3. player. 18. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. PG/SG. Louisville

With Tatum off the board, the Celtics grab a very Celtics pick in Donovan Mithcell. He’s already showing promise as a go-to scorer with the Jazz, giving Boston somebody who can play next to Irving at the two and carry the second unit when needed.

I had Mitchell seventh on my draft board in June, which was higher than most at the time and lower than he is now. His athletic tools were always promising, while his shot projected better than the percentages suggested at Louisville. Efficiency might be a lingering issue, but he’s already a proven volume scorer with a high defensive ceiling.

The next step in Mitchell’s progression is his playmaking. He flashed lead guard potential in college and has built on that in the NBA, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Boston won’t need him to be the primary ball handler too often, but it could come in handy when his minutes are staggered with the reserves.