Davion Mitchell Fits the Heat’s Blueprint, Now It’s Time to Keep Him
Former ninth overall pick Davion Mitchell joined the Miami Heat midseason in a trade that sent P.J. Tucker, a second-round pick, and cash considerations to the Toronto Raptors. From the moment he arrived in Miami, Mitchell made an immediate impact and took notable strides in his individual development. He averaged 6.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists across 44 games with the Raptors before elevating his production in Miami, where he posted 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists over 30 games. Entering restricted free agency, Mitchell is eligible for an $8.7 million qualifying offer. If the Heat extend it, they’ll retain the right to match any offer sheet he signs with another team.
Mitchell’s growth during his time in Miami has been evident, especially in his three-point shooting, which has earned him praise from both teammates and coaches. Over 30 games with the Heat, he shot a career-best 44.7% from beyond the arc, a notable nine percent increase from his previous high. His impact has carried over into the postseason, where he’s been a key contributor despite the team’s struggles. In the three playoff games so far, Mitchell has been exceptional, especially in the Game Two loss, shooting 66.7% from three and averaging 17.3 points and 6.7 assists in three games. His unselfish attitude and willingness to embrace any role are vital to his success and the team's future success. He said, “Starter or not starter, I don’t really worry about that, I kind of just go out there and try to play as hard as I can and let everything really work out for itself.”
The former NABC Defensive Player of the Year, Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year, and Lefty Driesell Award winner in 2021 at Baylor, Mitchell has long been recognized as an elite defender, exactly the type of player Miami needs. While his defensive numbers dipped a bit during his tenure with the Raptors, he’s bounced back since joining the Heat. Mitchell has posted a defensive rating of 114.7, improved from 118.2 in Toronto, which would place him just outside the top 25 in the league. Additionally, his 1.4 steals per game with Miami, up from 0.7 in Toronto, would put him just inside the top 25 for steals per game in the league. A 3&D guard who knows his role and plays team basketball, those are the players you want on your team.
Someone who was set aside by the Sacramento Kings last season and then by the Raptors this season, he has finally found a place in the NBA. This shows that in the NBA, it's all about opportunity, and in Miami, Mitchell has seized his. Averaging the most minutes of his career with the Heat, he has significantly bolstered his game. He has even said, “I love being here. It’s a spot I come to during the summer, so I’m familiar with it, and I got a lot of people out here that I know.” After his contract was not extended by both the Kings and then he was traded twice, there were questions about whether he could find a spot in the league. With the Heat, those questions have been answered.
