Mitchell reflects on his time in Sacramento and how it turned him into the point guard he is now.
Davion Mitchell started his career in an ideal position with the Sacramento Kings, learning from experienced veterans and becoming the player he is today.
Sacramento drafted Mitchell ninth overall in 2021. He joined a dynamic backcourt with De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton, as they took turns controlling the offense.
Mitchell watched the duo run the team in mini camps, and implemented what he learned into his game.
The 28-year-old took the same approach with Domantas Sabonis — the Kings traded Haliburton for — as his leadership stood out.
The bits and pieces Mitchell learned from his teammates have prepared him for his new role next season as the Miami Heat's starting point guard.
“Just kind of being a guy that was sitting back, paying attention to everyone,” Mitchell told Morgan Raegan on the "Deuce and Mo" podcast. “Because I knew one day I wanted to be in this position; kind of now I am.”
Mitchell has been putting in extra work this offseason to tighten his handle and elevate his playmaking skills. He posted an Instagram video throwing cross-court passes with his right hand.
The 2021 first-round pick tied Memphis Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer with a 4.22 assist-to-turnover ratio among all point guards.
Miami needs that pinpoint accuracy with sharpshooters like Klay Thompson and Ryan Conwell sitting in the corners. The 6-foot guard is becoming a primary ball-handler for the first time in his career.
Sacramento may not be the most successful franchise, but it was the right place for the 28-year-old to build his foundation.
Mitchell spent three seasons with the Kings, from 2021 to 2024. He had a stellar rookie season, averaging 11.5 points and 4.2 assists in 27.7 minutes per game.
Heavy minutes as a rookie would suggest a steady or increased role in the following seasons, but he regressed.
His minutes went from 27.7 to 18.1 to 15.3 in his final season. Keon Ellis' emergence in 2023 made him expendable in the offseason.
The Kings traded him, Sasha Vezenkov, the draft rights to Jamal Shead and a 2025 second-round draft pick to the Toronto Raptors for Jalen McDaniels.
Mitchell’s tenure in Toronto didn’t last long. The team traded him to Miami in a five-team deal that sent Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors to join Stephen Curry.
He had a breakout season in South Beach, averaging 9.3 points and 6.5 assists. Miami invested in his two-way ability and extended him on a two-year, $24 million contract last offseason.
Mitchell looks back on his time in Sacramento with fondness. It helped lay the foundation for him to lead his own team in his sixth season.
