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Baylor guard Davion Mitchell scouting report: Could the Raptors be a fit?

By Kartik Rudra

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Davion Mitchell #45 of the Baylor Bears celebrates on the court after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 86-70 in the National Championship game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 05, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Davion Mitchell #45 of the Baylor Bears celebrates on the court after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs 86-70 in the National Championship game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 05, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 27: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl #24 of the Villanova Wildcats drives with the ball against Davion Mitchell #45 of the Baylor Bears (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 27: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl #24 of the Villanova Wildcats drives with the ball against Davion Mitchell #45 of the Baylor Bears (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Davion Mitchell Scouting Report: Strengths

Lockdown Defense

Firstly, Mitchell’s on-ball defense has become something to marvel at, to the point where it’s earned him the nickname of “Off Night” because whoever is matched up against him will have an “off night”.

A pesty perimeter defender with a work-hard attitude, Mitchell’s lateral quickness gives him the ability to stay glued onto players in man-to-man situations, placing them in uncomfortable situations. In addition to this, Mitchell’s active hands are able to force steals and turnovers. This season, he is averaging 1.9 steals and forcing 2.4 turnovers per game.

Furthermore, Mitchell’s strength gives him the added benefit of being extremely difficult to drive past. While he may be undersized at 6-2, his combination of speed and strength allows him to pressurize opposing players and force them into taking uncomfortable midrange shots.

Driving to the basket

Mitchell’s strong burst of energy gives him the added ability on offense of driving effectively to the basket. He can catch players out with his first step or a slight hesitation dribble before blowing past them and finishing at the basket.

Mitchell consistently drives to the basket on the left-side in isolation against much bigger and stronger opposing players. Again, the combination of his speed and strength comes into play as it gives him the ability to power his way through heavy contact and finish neatly at the basket or draw defenders in and pick out an open teammate.

Shooting efficiency

Lastly, Mitchell has been shooting the lights out this season. In addition to shooting 55.1 percent from the field and 44.7 percent from three, he has an effective field goal percentage of 61.3 percent and a true shooting percentage of 62 percent.

His movement allows him to find pockets of open space along the perimeter or in the corner. From there, he is able to shoot extremely well from three in the corner or in catch-and-shoot scenarios. Additionally, this movement can also afford him the ability to drive at the basket in open space.