Knicks Draft Rumors: New York Has Strong Interest In Donovan Mitchell

The New York Knicks have already been linked to Frank Ntilinkina and expressed interest in Dennis Smith Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the draft, but another player also appears to be firmly in the mix.

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Knicks have taken a strong interest in Louisville's Donovan Mitchell.

Louisville coach Rick Pitino doesn’t like to hear draft analysts downplay 6-foot-3 Donovan Mitchell as an undersize shooting guard. That won’t be his position in the NBA.

“Point guard is his natural position,’’ Pitino told The Post. “But because of Quentin Snider, who’s been around a while as a veteran, I played [Donovan] at the two-guard spot. I see him strictly as a one.”

That versatility, his defensive mindset and character are reasons the Knicks have more than a casual interest in Mitchell — whether at No. 8 or trading down a few notches to later in the lottery.

New York wanted to interview Mitchell at the combine, but were not given the opportunity (the NBA controls meetings at the combine). However, they plan to have him in for a workout before the draft. 

Mitchell averaged 15.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game last season.

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