A Royal Pain
Fansided

2017 NBA First Round Mock Draft 2.0

By Tyler Watts

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 4, 2017; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) controls the ball during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Silvio O. Conte Forum. The Louisville Cardinals won 90-67. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) controls the ball during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Silvio O. Conte Forum. The Louisville Cardinals won 90-67. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Detroit Pistons- Donovan Mitchell- SG- Louisville

The Detroit Pistons are the second lottery team in a row with a nice young core in place, but Detroit’s roster has a ton of question marks going forward.  Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a restricted free agent this offseason.  Point guard Reggie Jackson had a bad season and questions abound if he is their future at the position?  Even star center Andre Drummond had a bad year leading some Pistons fans to talk about blowing up this squad and rebuilding.

If Detroit keeps it together, they need bench help, especially on the wings.  Stanley Johnson looks like a bust, Reggie Bullock is a free agent, and the rest of the roster should probably not log minutes on the wing in an NBA game.

Why Donovan Mitchell?

Donovan Mitchell is a player who is steadily moving up draft boards.  In my first mock draft, I had Mitchell picked by Brooklyn at pick 22 overall.  I was concerned about his height and late bloomer status, but Mitchell tested well at the combine and appeared determined to improve his game.

Mitchell profiles as a good defender and floor spacer in the NBA.  Those are two things the Pistons need and value making Mitchell a hand and glove fit with the team.  Mitchell should see minutes immediately for Detroit and will be a player to watch next season.

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