Davion Mitchell: From College Standout to NBA Journeyman

Davion De'Monte Earl Mitchell, nicknamed "Off-Night," is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on September 5, 1998, Mitchell's journey to the NBA involved stops at Auburn University and Baylor University, before being drafted by the Sacramento Kings. His career has been marked by defensive tenacity and evolving offensive skills, leading him to various teams in the league.

High School Career

Mitchell attended Liberty County High School in Hinesville, Georgia, where he established himself as a dominant player. As a junior, he averaged 24.2 points, 7.1 assists, and 2.9 steals per game, leading his team to its first Class 4A state title. His outstanding performance earned him the Savannah Morning News Player of the Year award. In his senior season, he continued to shine, averaging 23.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.

College Career

Auburn Tigers (2017-2018)

Mitchell began his college career at Auburn University in 2017. During his freshman year, he played as a backup point guard to Jared Harper, averaging 3.7 points and 1.9 assists in 17.1 minutes per game across all 34 games. He also contributed 1.1 rebounds and 0.5 steals per game. He showcased his defensive abilities early on and demonstrated his potential as a playmaker, leading the team in steals in 4 games and assists in 2 games. Despite playing off the bench, Mitchell showed flashes of brilliance, scoring a career-high 10 points twice, against George Mason and UConn. Mitchell's time at Auburn, though brief, provided a foundation for his future development.

Baylor Bears (2018-2021)

Following his freshman season, Mitchell transferred to Baylor University. Due to NCAA transfer rules, he sat out his next season. During his redshirt year, he focused on improving his all-around game, studying film on guards like Kyle Lowry and Jalen Brunson.

During his sophomore season, Mitchell became a starter on one of the top teams in the nation. On December 18, 2019, he posted a season-high 19 points, four assists, and four steals in a 91-63 win over UT Martin. As a sophomore, Mitchell averaged 9.9 points and 3.8 assists per game.

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As a junior (2020-21), he helped the Bears capture their first NCAA Championship in program history and swept National Defensive Player of the Year honours (Naismith, NABC and Lefty Driesell). Mitchell averaged 14.0 points, 5.5 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 33.0 minutes in 30 games. He was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-Big 12 First Team and All-Defensive Team honours. Mitchell led the Big 12 in steals per game and ranked third in assists. He was also the NCAA Tournament South Regional MVP after leading Baylor to their first Final Four since 1950. He recorded 15 points, six rebounds and five assists in the victory.

Mitchell finished his career at Baylor with a 54-6 record. Over two seasons, he averaged 12.0 points, 4.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 32.7 minutes in 60 career games (all starts) with the Bears. He shot .465 (263-566) from the field, .394 (97-246) from beyond the arc and .653 (94-144) at the free throw line.

NBA Career

Sacramento Kings (2021-2024)

Mitchell was selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. On August 5, 2021, he signed his rookie-scale contract with the Kings. Mitchell helped the Kings win the 2021 NBA Summer League championship and was named NBA Summer League MVP alongside Cam Thomas.

In 75 contests (19 starts) as a rookie with Sacramento, Mitchell averaged career highs of 11.5 points, 4.2 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 27.7 minutes. He shot .418 (352-843) from the field, .316 (101-320) from beyond the arc and .659 (56-85) at the foul line. Mitchell scored 10+ points in 40 games and 20 or more 10 times, also recording three double-doubles. As a starter, he averaged 18.0 points, 7.4 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 37.1 minutes. In five games in April, Mitchell averaged 15.0 points and 11.6 assists, recording three double-doubles. He finished with 15 points and a career-best 17 assists Apr. 5 vs. New Orleans. Mitchell collected a career-high seven rebounds twice: Mar. 26 at Orlando and Feb. 9 vs. Minnesota. He scored a career-best 28 points (9-22 FG, 4-7 3PT, 6-6 FT) Mar. 20 vs. Phoenix and tallied 13 points, two rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes in first career start Dec. 15 vs. Washington. Mitchell made his NBA debut Oct. 20 at Portland, tallying two points, three rebounds and three assists in 24 minutes of action against the Trail Blazers.

In the 2022-23 season, Mitchell averaged 5.6 points, 2.3 assists, 1.3 rebounds and 18.1 minutes in 80 games with Sacramento. He shot career bests of .454 (181-399) from the floor and .806 (25-31) at the foul line, also shooting 32 percent (63-197) from beyond the arc. Mitchell scored 10+ points 10 times and in nine starts, posted averages of 9.2 points, 4.0 assists, 1.7 rebounds and 28.8 minutes. He set season highs with 23 points Oct. 31 at Charlotte and nine assists Dec. 27 vs. Denver. In the playoffs, Mitchell averaged 7.1 points, 1.7 assists, 1.3 rebounds and 20.0 minutes in seven games against Golden State in the first round. He shot .413 (19-46) from the field, .259 (7-27) from three-point distance and .833 (5-6) at the free throw line, scoring in double figures in three games. Mitchell tallied a postseason career-high 14 points (5-10 FG, 2-6 3PT, 2-2 FT) in Game 2 on Apr. 17.

Toronto Raptors (2024-2025)

On June 28, 2024, Mitchell, Sasha Vezenkov, the draft rights to Jamal Shead and a 2025 second-round draft pick were traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Jalen McDaniels.

Miami Heat (2025-Present)

On February 6, 2025, Mitchell was traded to the Miami Heat in a five-team trade, including Jimmy Butler to the Warriors. In 30 appearances (15 starts) for Miami, he averaged 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.

NBA Career Statistics Overview

Davion Mitchell has averaged 7.4 points, 2.8 assists, 1.6 rebounds and 20.4 minutes in 227 career NBA games (32 starts) with Sacramento. He is shooting .434 (679-1565) from the field, .327 (221-675) from three-point territory and .703 (111-158) at the foul line and has scored in double digits in 62 games with 11 20-point outings, recording three career double-doubles. As a starter, Mitchell is averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 33.2 minutes. He was also named to the Rising Stars Game during NBA All-Star in Cleveland as a rookie.

In the Playoffs, Mitchell is averaging 7.1 points, 1.7 assists, 1.3 rebounds and 20.0 minutes in seven career postseason games. He is shooting .413 (19-46) from the floor, .259 (7-27) from three-point range and .833 (5-6) at the free throw line and has scored 10+ points in three career postseason contests.

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