Davion Mitchell has not yet suited up in an official NBA game, but the Sacramento Kings rookie is already earning lofty comparisons when it comes to his defensive ability.
Of course, Mitchell was named the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year last year after averaging 14.1 points, 5.5 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.9 steals at Baylor. He was the first player in program history to also earn Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Mitchell arrived in Sacramento with great credentials as a defender. He flashed that ability during the Las Vegas Summer League and during the preseason, leaving those watching him impressed with that knack for locking up the opposition.
However, his teammates have the chance to see it every day in practice.
Tyrese Haliburton hilariously said he was excited to finally see other defenders when the Kings tipped off the preseason this week. De’Aaron Fox, though, offered even higher praise for Mitchell, calling him a top-five on-ball defender in the league.
He even put Mitchell in the same category as Marcus Smart, Patrick Beverley and Jrue Holiday.
When he is locked in on the ball, it’s crazy to watch. The way he is able to stop and go, it hurts my legs watching. He is such a great on-ball defender. In the league right now, he is (in the) top five in on-ball defenders. When you watch him, it’s amazing. He does stuff on the ball that you just can’t teach.
The things he does defensively, that’s a gift. Obviously, some things can be taught but what he does, just the detail he has and the way his feet, knees and hips are just moving, that stuff you can’t teach.
Mitchell has drawn some tough defensive assignments to begin the preseason. He was tasked with guarding Paul George and Eric Bledsoe on Wednesday and mostly held his own in those matchups. One sequence against George went viral.
Paul George v. Davion Mitchell pic.twitter.com/MsXFKDNie1
— The Kings Herald (@thekingsherald) October 7, 2021
Certainly, the traits Fox outlined of Mitchell — moving his feet, knees and hips — are on full display on that play. Completely shutting down a player like George doesn’t happen often, but forcing him into tough shots is key, something Mitchell did.
The praise by Fox caught Mitchell by surprise, but he was thankful for it.
It means a lot, especially because I’m guarding him in practice. Guarding Fox, he is really good. He can shoot the ball, pass the ball, run the team. He is making me a lot better, especially going out into a real game, I’m getting to guard those guards and it’s not the same because when I’m guarding Fox it’s different.
Mitchell on Fox: pic.twitter.com/lDJ2jNQqn2
— James Ham (@James_HamNBCS) October 8, 2021
Mitchell has seemingly impressed everyone within the Kings’ organization during his short stint with the team. He previously earned praise by Fox and Haliburton for his work ethic, and each believes he is ready to contribute now.
The work for Mitchell and the rest of the Kings continues ahead of the regular season but it appears the rookie will be turning quite a few heads with his play on the court, inside and outside of the team.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
