Power ranking the top five draft scenarios for the Indiana Pacers
By Luke Parrish
No. 5: The Indiana Pacers reach for a backup PG
Davion Mitchell is an interesting prospect in this draft. He is a solid player on both ends with a good jump shot and defensive upside but his lack of size is worrisome. The Pacers have tried making it work with undersized guards in recent years, especially Aaron Holiday who they found in the draft.
Mitchell exploded with Baylor last season and helped them to the NCAA Championship. He averaged 14 points and 5.5 assists in his final collegiate season, starting in all 30 of his appearances and shooting 44.7 percent from three.
He has proven to be a quality player at the collegiate level and would fill a big hole for the Pacers next season. However, with other options potentially available, drafting Mitchell in the lottery would be a bit of a mistake for the Pacers.
The Baylor guard does not have the same upside as other prospects given his age (22) and size (6-foot-2). He has the tools to be an elite perimeter defender and could arguably be the best defender in this draft class when all is said and done.
Mitchell also lacks consistency and explosiveness on the offensive end. He does not yet have enough in his game that can make him an exciting offensive player. In order to be a high-impact player on offense, Mitchell needs to prove he can shoot consistently from the outside and finish at the rim through contact.
I like Davion Mitchell, but the 13th overall pick is a bit too rich for my taste. I would prefer if the Pacers looked elsewhere or even traded back to land Mitchell, though I do not think he will last much later than the lottery, if at all.