Davion Mitchell: “I Can Come In And Be A Really Good Defender And Really Good Teammate”
Jul 30, 2021, 8:10 AM | Updated: 3:24 pm
(Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
(Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
The newest member of the Sacramento Kings joined the show to share his excitement towards being selected with the ninth pick in the 2021 NBA Draft
Ninth-overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and new Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell joined The Carmichael Dave Show with JayMarzz on Friday morning to share his excitement on becoming the newest addition to the franchise.
Mitchell, 22, posted 14.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.9 steals per game on 51-percent shooting from the field and 44-percent shooting from the three-point line over 30 appearances for the national champion Baylor Bears.
The 6’1 guard is a two-time member of the Big 12’s All-Defensive team and was the 2020-21 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
On if he was surprised to be taken by Sacramento at ninth after most mock drafts had the Kings taking players such as Moses Moody of Arkansas or Turkish center Alperen Şengün, Mitchell said that he isn’t surprised because he knows that he possesses top-10 talent.
“I’m not really surprised because I have done a lot of things to be a guy that is up there with those guys, so I’m not really surprised,” Mitchell said. “The Kings have not been known for being a defensive team, they’re a really good offensive team. I can come in and be a really good defender and really good teammate and learn from those guys.”
Mitchell will join a loaded Sacramento backcourt that features the likes of All-Star hopeful De’Aaron Fox and last season’s Rookie of the Year finalist Tyrese Haliburton. On joining Fox and Haliburton, Mitchell said the potential is there for some fun basketball.
“A young team, a fast team that can get up the floor. De’Aaron Fox is one of the fastest guys in the league and Tyrese Haliburton can see the floor and can shoot. De’Aaron Fox also can shoot, so playing off of one another, playing with each other, getting out in transition, making shots… I think it will be a fun backcourt.”
Kings general manager Monte McNair cited Mitchell’s incredible defensive ability when explaining his decision to select Mitchell at ninth, something that the rookie guard told Dave that he does not take lightly.
“For me, I think that I’m just a dog who loves defending, who loves to get into guards, who loves talking on defense. Also just making winning plays, diving on the floor, taking charges. Doing those things and doing whatever it takes to win. I think that’s what makes me a good defender.”
To listen to Dave’s full interview with Sacramento Kings rookie Davion Mitchell, click the ‘play’ button at the top of the post.
For full episodes of The Carmichael Dave Show with JayMarzz, click here.
