Golden State Warriors: 5 Best options in 2021 NBA Draft

1. Golden State Warriors select Davion Mitchell

There has been a lot of talk about the Golden State Warriors possibly trading for Marcus Smart over the last few years. Now, as a few have begun saying, what if they just drafted their own Marcus Smart, instead?

While it’s a broad assumption to say Davion Mitchell will ever blossom into the scorer and playmaker Smart has worked his ass off to become — it’s an impressive comparison to earn. Smart is one of the most impactful role players the league has to offer and that is exactly the type of player Golden State needs in their arsenal.

The similarities between Mitchell and Smart are obvious. Both are stocky, muscular guards who excel at being at the point of attack defensively. Mitchell had no problem harassing ball handlers en route to winning the Big-12 Defensive Player of the Year and should translate well into the NBA.

As for the rest of his game, Mitchell has shown consistency as a decision-maker, dishing 5.5 assists last season at Baylor. He’s a high-IQ player who plays to his strengths in all facets of the game.

He had a career-high year from the 3-point line, splashing 44 percent of his attempts. Even so, Mitchell hovers below 70 percent as a free throw shooter and had little success from deep before last season. This is one area that could make or break Mitchell as a prospect.

Nevertheless, Mitchell is a prospect who is at the top of the Warriors list. This is because of his talents, fit with the team AND the fact that he could be available at either seventh or 14th in the order.