Davion Mitchell emerges as Miami’s shooting star with new $24M contract
The Miami Heat have made a bold move by securing Davion Mitchell, a player who has undergone a remarkable transformation in his shooting ability. After being drafted by the Sacramento Kings, skepticism surrounded Mitchell’s long-range shooting capabilities—a concern that was echoed in nearly every scouting report leading up to his selection.
Early Struggles in Sacramento
From the outset, shooting was considered Mitchell’s Achilles’ heel. Despite his defensive prowess, which garnered praise across the league, his three-point shooting left much to be desired. In his initial seasons, he struggled to find his rhythm, posting a mere 32 percent shooting rate from beyond the arc. While there were glimpses of improvement in his second season, it was clear that the Kings were ready to explore other options.
A Midseason Change of Scenery
The turning point in Mitchell’s career came after a brief tenure with the Toronto Raptors. Midseason, he was traded to Miami, where he began to showcase a dramatically different shooting performance. In his 30 games with the Heat, he made an impressive 44.7 percent of his three-point attempts on limited volume, averaging just 3.1 shots per game. This unexpected surge in accuracy has led to questions about its sustainability moving forward.
The Experts Weigh In
NBA analyst David Thorpe has expressed optimism about Mitchell’s shooting trajectory. During a recent appearance on Kevin O’Connor’s show, he noted, “I saw Davion in L.A. this summer playing pickup. His shot looked great. I think he’s figured out how to shoot. So, just by being a shooter and then an ace defender, he’s a net positive player for them.” This assessment aligns with the Heat’s strategic vision for Mitchell, who now seems poised to take on a significant role.
The Future in Miami
In recognition of his potential, the Heat have awarded Mitchell a two-year, $24 million contract. With Tyler Herro recovering from ankle surgery, Mitchell is expected to step into a starting role, likely alongside fellow shooter Norman Powell. This pairing could open up opportunities for Mitchell, as defenses may be forced to decide between containing his sharpshooting or focusing on Powell’s own lethal scoring ability.
Mitchell’s ability to capitalize on these opportunities will be vital for Miami as they seek to maintain consistent offensive output. The Heat are banking on Mitchell’s newfound shooting skills to elevate their game and solidify his place as an integral part of their roster.
