Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell apparently has some influence over the next wave of NBA players. Mitchell himself got a shout-out from NBA prospect Bronny James while talking with reporters on May 14.
Bronny referenced Mitchell when listing his biggest influences as a player (along with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White). Bronny explained that he looks up to them because they "make all the right plays... I feel like that's what I want to be," per The Athletic.
Bronny James says he looks up to three NBA players in particular when modeling his game:
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 14, 2024
◽️ Jrue Holiday
◽️ Derrick White
◽️ Davion Mitchell
The explanation ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/353eUeR1OO
Mitchell's role has decreased with the Kings since his rookie year. However, following Malik Monk's and Kevin Huerter's terribly-timed season-ending injuries, Mitchell stepped up in their place. Over the course of the season, the Kings depended on him more and more, and he wasn't too shabby.
When the Kings began elevating his role from January 22 onward, Monk averaged 6.6 points while shooting 49.2% from the field and 42.6% from three in 17.7 minutes a game, per NBA.com. Month by month, his minutes average went from 11.4 to 15.2 to 17.2 to 24.1 from January to April.
Mitchell is known better for his defensive prowess, but his offensive progression is nothing to sneeze at.
The Kings could draft Bronny James
The Kings have two picks in the 2024 NBA Draft - No. 13 and No. 45. The likelihood that they would take Bronny with their higher pick is next to nothing since Bronny is slated to be a second-round pick. That is, if he gets drafted at all.
With pick No. 45, however, the prospect of drating Bronny gets a little more interesting. The Kings will likely seek upgrades when the offseason starts. If they do, Mitchell could be on the market, and if he does, James could potentially be his replacement.
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported that the Kings may look for a Malik Monk replacement if Monk prices himself out of Sacramento. However, he did not name James among the potential options the Kings could look into.
"With Malik Monk set to enter unrestricted free agency and potentially price himself out of Sacramento, the Kings could look at several guards here, including Duke’s sharpshooter Jared McCain and Providence’s stout defender and emerging offensive threat Devin Carter."
James' skillset doesn't resemble Monk much, which is why picking him at No. 13 likely won't happen. However, he may serve as a developmental project that could pay off in the long term.