Why didn't the Knicks draft Donovan Mitchell?
They felt he was too risky of a pick at No. 8.
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
Knicks Missed Out on Donovan Mitchell: Pitino Reveals Why | Rasheer Fleming Shines in Career Night as Suns Beat Hornets | Carter Bryant's Impact on the San Antonio Spurs | Victor Wembanyama's MVP and DPOY Potential: A Deep Dive | Chicago Bulls vs. Sacramento Kings: Game Preview, Odds, and Predictions for March 8, 2026 | Luke Kennard's Impact on the Lakers: A Potential Playoff X-Factor | Luka Dončić Shines as Lakers Beat Pacers; His Improving Defense Goes Unnoticed | Lakers' Ayton Exits with Knee Injury, LeBron James Sore After Loss | Evan Mobley and James Harden: Building a Winning Partnership | Knicks Missed Out on Donovan Mitchell: Pitino Reveals Why | Rasheer Fleming Shines in Career Night as Suns Beat Hornets | Carter Bryant's Impact on the San Antonio Spurs | Victor Wembanyama's MVP and DPOY Potential: A Deep Dive | Chicago Bulls vs. Sacramento Kings: Game Preview, Odds, and Predictions for March 8, 2026 | Luke Kennard's Impact on the Lakers: A Potential Playoff X-Factor | Luka Dončić Shines as Lakers Beat Pacers; His Improving Defense Goes Unnoticed | Lakers' Ayton Exits with Knee Injury, LeBron James Sore After Loss | Evan Mobley and James Harden: Building a Winning Partnership
NBA / Draft
Knicks Missed Out on Donovan Mitchell: Pitino Reveals Why
Legendary college coach Rick Pitino revealed that he advised the New York Knicks to draft Donovan Mitchell in 2017. The Knicks, however, passed on Mitchell, a decision that is now considered a significant misstep.
Key Insights
- Rick Pitino, Mitchell's college coach, urged the Knicks to draft him.
- The Knicks chose Frank Ntilikina over Mitchell in the 2017 draft.
- Mitchell has become a six-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection.
- Ntilikina is considered a draft bust, having played in Europe after a lackluster NBA career.
- The Knicks have since rebuilt their roster but missed out on having Mitchell.
In-Depth Analysis
In 2017, the Knicks had the No. 8 overall pick and the opportunity to draft Donovan Mitchell, who was playing for Rick Pitino at Louisville. Pitino shared on the Roommates Show that he called the Knicks to advocate for Mitchell. However, the Knicks were hesitant to draft Mitchell so high and instead selected Frank Ntilikina. Mitchell was then drafted by the Utah Jazz at No. 13.
Mitchell has had a successful NBA career with the Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers, becoming a multiple-time All-Star. Ntilikina, on the other hand, struggled in the NBA and now plays in Europe. While the Knicks have since built a competitive team, missing out on Mitchell remains a notable draft error.
FAQ
What has Donovan Mitchell accomplished in the NBA?
He is a six-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection.
Takeaways
- The Knicks missed a significant opportunity by not drafting Donovan Mitchell.
- Draft decisions can have long-lasting impacts on team success.
- Donovan Mitchell has become one of the NBA's top players since being drafted outside the top 10.
Discussion
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Sources
Disclaimer
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