Ajay Mitchell: NBA Draft 2nd Round Gems

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MaceoBaller
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OFFENSE

Exciting upside as pure playmaker with his combination of feel, size, handles and standstill vision. Just a natural making reads out of the pick-and-roll or with his feet set. Not quick or explosive, but dynamic, silky and extremely fluid. Slight dip as a passer this season ( 5.1ast / game to 4.0 ) and impossible 1.54 A: TO ratio, underlined by his larger scoring responsibilities. Still, a solid offensive motor and reliable facilitator ( 17.6% assist-possession rate ) that can get by defenders, knows how to exploit his gravity in off the dribble and creates openings in multiple ways.

Ambidextrous handles, change of speed and long steps to attack both sides of the pick and slice defenses (+ 50% of his offense comes on ball screens/handoffs). Not your typical slasher, but lengthy and skilled to find finishing angles at the rim (62% efficiency). More confident with his dominant left hand. Doesn’t leave his feet easily. Productive in mismatches and ISO plays (90th percentile per Synergy). Draws a lot of contact getting downhill: 85% FT shooting in 6 attempts/game. Continuous threat in transition offense (2.3pts/game), usually as ball handler.

Versatile jump shooter (44.2% of his possessions) that holds a 48.6 EFG%. Has made tremendous improvements from behind the arc. Much smoother and consistent one-motion form from deep. Ranks in the 94th percentile in catch-and-shoot plays (2.1 attempts/game), which open even more the lane for mid-range looks and dribble jumpers. In love with the pull-up game and the jump stop; gets to his spots and can create separation via pump fakes, crossovers, and side steps/step backs. Nice lift and two-motion mechanics in tight spaces.

DEFENSE

Just the ideal size to equally matchup one/two-guards and great length for either position. Never mind the measurements; genuinely long and always ready to poke the ball, play the passing lanes and negate easy angles at the rim. For Mitchell all starts with his upward stance mixed with his reach and the ability to slide at the point-of-attack. He’s not always explosive enough to mirror his man, so most times he will try to contain the ball giving away space and keeping himself between the ball handler and the cup.

Needs more strength to navigate screens and limit athletic drivers off the pick-and-roll (allows 0.823 PPP there). Brings some leverage in switches due to his frame, though. Maximizes his wingspan in closeouts and contesting spot up shooters (53rd percentile per Synergy). Value as help defender in no-middle schemes with the stunt and recover. Improved team-first mentality on the defensive glass as well posting 4 boards per night. Occasionally impacts the game with stocks but even more with digs and deflections.