Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Rumor: Charlotte Hornets will draft Donovan Mitchell if he’s available at No. 11

By Jerry Stephens

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Charlotte Hornets are being heavily linked to Donovan Mitchell and he could very well end up being their pick at No. 11.

According to Tim Bontemps of The Washington Post, the Charlotte Hornets are set on Donovan Mitchell with their lottery pick. The NBA writer tweeted: “Continue to hear that, if he’s available, Donovan Mitchell seems tickets to the Charlotte Hornets at No. 11.” Unless someone from the top-10 falls, it looks like the Louisville product will be wearing purple and teal next season.

This news follows a report from David Aldridge of NBA.com who said that “Charlotte Hornets (pick No. 11), who look to be locked in on one of two guards — Duke’s Luke Kennard or Louisville’s Donovan Mitchell.” It seems like Kennard has fallen out of that race and Mitchell will, in fact, be the team’s selection. Still, anything can happen on draft night and there are plenty of factors in play.

In DraftExpress.com’s final mock draft before the NBA Draft, they project the Hornets to select Mitchell. The shooting guard prospect is ranked as the 11th best prospect in this year’s draft class, 4th among ACC players and 1st among sophomores.

More from Swarm and Sting

The 6’3″ guard has a remarkable 6’10” wingspan and recorded a 40.5″ max vertical jump at the NBA Draft Combine. The New York native averaged 15.6 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game, 2.7 assists and 2.1 steals per game during his second season under Rick Pitino. He managed to shoot 46.3% from two, 35.4% from three and 80.6% from the free throw line.

Mike Schmitz of Draft Express listed Mitchell’s strengths as his unique physical tools, offensive versatility, defensive impact and mentality. He has good size and length to be a combo guard in the NBA. He could be a valuable player off of Charlotte’s bench as either a backup point guard or shooting guard.

Although, he does have some holes in his game and some areas where he can improve. Schmitz lists his weaknesses as his decision making, ability to finish in traffic and streaky shooting.

Next: Hornets trade for Dwight Howard

Donovan must have impressed Rich Cho, Steve Clifford and Michael Jordan during his pre-draft workout with the team. Unless someone like Malik Monk or Dennis Smith Jr. falls to the Charlotte Hornets, expect them to take Mitchell with the 11th overall pick.