Re-drafting the 2021 NBA Draft

Re-drafting the 2021 NBA Draft — 13. Davion Mitchell, Pacers

Time to reunite Davion Mitchell and Tyrese Haliburton. The Pacers still have an excellent point guard in Malcolm Brogdon, but given Haliburton’s evident greatness and the general youth elsewhere on the roster, Brogdon will probably get traded sooner than later. He’s just not part of the Pacers’ future.

Mitchell is almost 24 years old, but he’s already productive in his own right. He stepped up for Sacramento after the Haliburton trade and consistently shined when afforded the opportunity to truly run point. His wavering 3-point shot is a concern and it caps his ceiling, but Mitchell’s explosive downhill finishing and ability to distribute the ball to shooters will keep him useful. Especially when he can shoulder that burden with a player like Haliburton, who elevates everyone around him.

Then there’s the defensive side of the ball, where Mitchell already excels. He’s an absolute hound on the ball. His ability to pressure the point of attack and fluster opposing ball-handlers is unique to only a handful of NBA guards. He is only 6-foot-1, but he’s built like a brick wall. His lateral quickness and unfettered competitive spirt make him a special defensive investment for the Pacers.