Boasting an elite 7-foot-2 wingspan and soaring scoring averages, this Missouri standout brings versatile defensive traits and "small ball" potential to a Sacramento squad hunting for physicality.
With six more pre-draft workouts held on Monday, the Sacramento Kings have been one of the most active teams in the offseason.
At KingsRoundtable, we have covered most of these prospects, including Auburn's Keyshawn Hall, Louisville's Ryan Conwell, and UConn's Alex Karaban.
In this profile, I will highlight Missouri forward Mark Mitchell, who worked out with the Kings this past weekend.
Consistent Growth
Mitchell showed major improvements in each of his college seasons, more-than doubling his points per game average from his freshman to senior year.
After two seasons at Duke, Mitchell made the move to the SEC, joining head coach Dennis Gates at Missouri.
As a senior, Mitchell showed extreme growth as a scorer, notching 18.3 points per game, while improving his 3-point shooting by nearly 13 percentage points (38.8-percent).
Mitchell's overall field-goal percentage was also a career-best, with the former 5-star recruit making over 54-percent of his shot attempts.
Although the 3-point shot wasn't a huge weapon for Mitchell, he had a hot end to the season, making nine of his last 13 attempts from deep.
Despite losing in the first round of March Madness, Mitchell knocked down three long balls, beginning to look more and more comfortable.
Versatility
At 6-foot-9, 230 pounds, Mitchell's size and skill allows him to guard multiple positions on the defensive end.
Mitchell has the ability to stick with smaller defenders and bother them with his 7-foot-2 wingspan, while also rebounding and defending the interior at a high rate.
Mitchell became the second Tiger in school history to lead the team in scoring, rebounding (5.2) and assists (3.6) in the same season - the first since Albert White in 1998-99.
In today's perimeter-heavy NBA, Mitchell's length and size makes him an ideal small ball forward.
Areas For Improvement
Outside of continuing to sure up his 3-point shooting, Mitchell must get more consistent from the free-throw line.
Mitchell's size and interior game got him to the line over eight times per game last season, but the former McDonald's All-American made under 67-percent of his attempts.
Draft Projection
Mitchell is a second-round prospect who has lots of upside and potential to grow.
On ESPN's big board, Mitchell is the No. 79 overall prospect.
Are Kings a Fit?
Sacramento could benefit from a downhill driver like Mitchell, who plays with a constant level of physicality and effort.
Expect a team to take a swing on Mitchell towards the end of the second round.
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