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2017 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: The Best of the Rest

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 25, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) drives to the basket as Miami Hurricanes guard Davon Reed (5) defends during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) drives to the basket as Miami Hurricanes guard Davon Reed (5) defends during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Donovan Mitchell, Louisville

One of the big questions with Malik Monk is what position will he play. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard has the dreaded “undersized” label. There are some scouts who believe he can play point guard, but plenty who are skeptical he can adjust to the bigger league. That might help him stay on the court. Despite his prodigious shooting, that size may keep him from ever becoming a star player.

Donovan Mitchell is in much the same boat. The 6-foot-3 guard has the look of a player who can do more with his body and athleticism, but the question about his size and the skills that come with it have driven his stock down a bit.

Mitchell actually started somewhere near the Magic’s range before the Draft process started kicking into high gear. Then he went to the Combine and measured out very well — a 6-foot-10 wingspan and 40.5-inch max vertical leap. That got people interested again.

Mitchell did very well on the basketball court too for the Louisville Cardinals. He averaged 15.6 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game and 2.1 steals per game. He has the physical tools to be a really strong defender and appears to thrive on that end.

But his short stature and poor jumper do not bode well. He is not a point guard at all and was a poor 35.4 percent 3-point shooter last season. There is a question of fit for him.

It is looking like he will go in the late Lottery in this Draft. But Mitchell could be someone who drops. If the Magic are looking for a win off the bench with their 25th pick, Mitchell could be a player they target to trade up and take in the middle of the Draft.