Defensive specialist Davion Mitchell is switching to No. 2 this upcoming season, a poignant tribute to Albert “Spud” Dock, a high school teammate killed by a drunk driver.
MIAMI, Fla. – Although the Miami Heat gave up four players in the Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster deal, including All-Star guard Tyler Herro, Davion Mitchell was among those who survived the rumors and reports. The veteran guard is one of the league’s most prolific defensive guards – a perfect fit for what “Heat Culture” is about.
Mitchell is coming off a productive season, the first as a full-time starting point guard, averaging 9.3 points on 49 percent shooting, 2.7 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and a steal in 70 games. Despite playing on an expiring contract soon, there’s something more important to him.
The 27-year-old announced on social media that he will swap jersey numbers: from No. 45 to No. 2. Although these changes aren’t unusual in professional sports, a deep meaning comes from Mitchell’s decision. He’s honoring the passing of a late friend, Albert “Spud” Dock, killed by a drunk driver in 2019.
“The 912 will never forget you. Your legacy lives on through everyone you inspired. Love you forever brother,” Mitchell captioned on Instagram.
Before the tragedy, the former Liberty County High School guard averaged seven points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in three years with the Panthers. Dock was a passenger, along with a couple of friends, in a car when they were rear-ended.
Antoine McLendon was the drunk driver, allegedly going over 100 mph. The former Fort Stewart soldier faced nine charges: DUI, murder, failure to maintain, following too closely, speeding, reckless driving, serious injury by vehicle, and homicide by vehicle in the first degree felony. McLendon was originally denied bond, but was granted in the following months, posted at $105,000 – later reduced to $75,000.
There is no public record of a criminal sentence, pending in the Liberty County court system. Dock’s mother was awarded $66.5 million from the tragedy.
Mitchell attended Liberty City High School – entering in 2013 and graduating in 2017. He averaged 19.1 points on 48 percent shooting, 4.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 2.7 steals in 106 total games over four seasons. After earning several Division I scholarships, including from the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs, Mitchell went to start a four-year collegiate career at Auburn University.
The 2026-27 season will be the first time the fifth-year veteran wears No. 2 in the league. A jersey number can go beyond what sells or looks good. In this case, it goes back to Mitchell’s roots.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
