Raptors guard's tenacious return to Sacramento proves former team gave up too soon

Revenge games do not always indicate animosity between players and their former teams. Instead, they can simply serve as a litmus test, revealing how a player rises to the occasion when facing off against their old squad. This was precisely the scenario on November 6th, when Raptors guard Davion Mitchell put forth a remarkable performance against the Kings, his former team. Mitchell's determination and skill were on full display.

The Raptors opened the game with a tremendous first half, showcasing their unselfish style of play that kept the scoreboard ticking. With their trademark hockey assists, the team effectively moved the ball, always looking for the open man. This fluid teamwork not only frustrated their opponents but also set the tone for a commanding performance.

One of the key players spearheading the Raptors' success was point guard Davion Mitchell, who produced an impressive stat line featuring 20 points, six assists, and three rebounds. Despite standing just six feet tall, the gritty guard played much bigger than his size would suggest, effortlessly cutting to the basket and showcasing a smooth floater near the rim. Furthermore, Mitchell's assist-to-turnover ratio stood out; he committed only a single turnover throughout the entire game, highlighting his efficiency and control on offense.

Davion Mitchell had a strong game against the Kings

Before arriving in Toronto via a puzzling offseason trade, the former Baylor Bears standout spent three seasons with the Sacramento Kings. Armed with NCAA championship experience, the Kings selected Mitchell as the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, reflecting their confidence in his potential to become a game-changer. In addition to his draft position, Mitchell was recognized as the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, a distinction that remains a cornerstone of his playing style.

His formidable defensive skills have earned him the nickname "Off-Night", a testament to his ability to disrupt and diminish the performance of opposing players in matchups. So, why would Sacramento part with their defensive-minded rotational guard in such a throwaway trade? While Mitchell played a solid role as a bench player during his time in Sacramento, he never quite managed to make a significant impact, creating an opportunity for a new chapter in his NBA career.

That new chapter is currently unfolding on the Toronto Raptors as Mitchell thrives in the starting point guard role during Immanuel Quickley’s injury absence. At 26 years old, many fans and pundits had begun to believe that Davion Mitchell’s potential for further development had plateaued, settling into expectations of what he could contribute. However, he is proving that an old dog can indeed learn new tricks, emerging as a vital role player for this rebuilding Raptors squad.

He has made an exceptionally efficient start to the season, averaging 46.2% shooting from the field. While it may be unrealistic for him to sustain this level of performance throughout the year, it is undoubtedly a welcome development for a player whom Sacramento essentially gave up on. The Kings aimed to remain below the luxury tax when they traded Mitchell, but by also relinquishing a pick that turned into another defensive standout in Jamal Shead, they may be left pondering the question: "What could have been?"