While following the narratives around various Raptors players last season, the curious case of Davion Mitchell emerged as a particularly positive narrative, in my eyes. Toronto was able to snag Mitchell away from Sacramento in a 2024 draft-night trade, and it was an absolute steal. The Raptors took a chance on a still relatively unproven player, and it didn't cost them a thing.
Now, I wouldn't call Mitchell's time in Toronto perfect by any stretch, but I was more than delighted to see a hard-nosed, POA guard in the Raptors' pecking order. There were definitely moments where his offensive limitations or stretches of tunnel vision proved to be an issue in Mitchell's game, but as far as gritty and tough point guards go, Mitchell was simply a breath of fresh air (especially alongside the blossoming rookie guard Jamal Shead).