Draft Day Target No. 1: Dillon Mitchell, Texas Longhorns
From two current SEC schools to a future one, our final prospect comes from the Texas Longhorns. Dillon Mitchell is physically exactly what the Cavaliers are looking for, a 6’8″ forward with elite athleticism and great defensive tools. The problem is the 3-point shot; Mitchell didn’t make or even attempt a single 3-pointer as a freshman at Texas.
If Mitchell can’t shoot at all, he’s probably too duplicative with Lamar Stevens on the Cavs’ roster. What’s interesting is that Mitchell arrived at the NBA Draft Combine and began showing off a new skill:
Dillon Mitchell didn't take or make a single 3 at Texas this year, so a little surprising how well he shot the ball at The NBA draft Combine today. Both off the dribble and with his feet set. Seems to have more potential here than previously indicated. pic.twitter.com/Zxg8rdDV6L
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 15, 2023
Shots in practice are certainly not shots in a game, but if Mitchell already has off-the-dribble practice 3s in his bag, it could be a game-changer for his future development. A Mitchell who can shoot goes from Derrick Jones Jr. to Jerami Grant. The Cavs will need to do their due diligence on Mitchell’s shot to try and see if it’s translatable.
Mitchell will have other workouts and hopefully scrimmages to display the shot. If he does so too well, he may very well go in the late first or early second. If he does fall, however, the upside of his offensive game paired with his already-excellent defense would make him an intriguing option for Cleveland at 49.
There are plenty more draft prospects for the Cavaliers to evaluate this week at the NBA Draft Combine, much more so for a team with a second-round pick than for a team in the lottery. There are a hundred possibilities and dozens of those players will be at the combine. How the Cavs sift through the information will determine whether they draft a bust or find their next rotation player.