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Why the Charlotte Hornets need to draft Donovan Mitchell

By Dylan Hargis

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 /
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The Louisville product is one of the top guard prospects in this year’s draft and he should be at the top of the Charlotte Hornets’ wish list.

The 2017 NBA Draft is fast approaching and with this draft having several potential day-one starters the Charlotte Hornets need to select the best fit for the future. The team owns the 11th pick in the draft and Donovan Mitchell could be the perfect fit.

He is a little undersized to play shooting guard in the NBA at only 6’3 but more than makes up for it with amazing defense and athletism that should make teams drool.

The sophomore out of Louisville averaged 15.6 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game and 2.7 assists per game in his second season with the Cardinals. The standout sophomore also posted an impressive 2.1 steals per game.

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Mitchell needs to work on his passing to be a guard in the NBA, but his rebounding numbers are encouraging considering he only stands at six feet and three inches.

Donovan has a real knack for finishing but can be streaky when shooting the ball. The upside for him is that he can become an athletic starting guard that pairs well with Kemba Walker. At only 20-years old, there is plenty of room and time for the young man to grow into a true secondary scoring option for the team.

Charlotte seemed interested in Mitchell at the combine and even scheduled a workout with the potential lottery pick. The Hornets have expressed interest and Mitchell seems excited about the opportunity.

He even talked about the possibility of playing alongside Kemba Walker. Judging from the video the team posted of Mitchell’s pre-draft workout, the guard prospect looked super impressive.

Although most mocks have the New York native falling to the Hornets at No. 11, all it takes is one team in the top-10 to fall in love with him. Considering how deep this draft class is, it is more than likely that Donovan will be there when they make their first-round pick.

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The biggest challenge to Donovan Mitchell getting selected by the Hornets is likely the fate of North Carolina forward Justin Jackson. Charlotte has also shown quite a bit of interest in Jackson, but so have the Kings who own the 10th pick. Mitchell could become a Hornet on draft night and could even become a day one starter if given the chance.