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Knicks Rumors: Legitimate interest in Louisville guard Donovan Mitchell

By Kenneth Teape

Feb 4, 2017; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) controls the ball during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Silvio O. Conte Forum. The Louisville Cardinals won 90-67. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) controls the ball during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Silvio O. Conte Forum. The Louisville Cardinals won 90-67. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks Rumors: Donovan Mitchell is a prospect the Knicks have more than casual interest in according to sources.

New York Knicks rumors are popping up as the 2017 NBA Draft nears. The Knicks hold the eighth pick in the draft. They are hoping to add another long-term building block to their roster alongside forward Kristaps Porzingis.

The most popular target for the Knicks in the early going has been a point guard. The Knicks currently do not have a point guard on the roster under contract for next season. Derrick Rose is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Chasson Randle and Ron Baker showed flashes as a point guard, but the Knicks cannot going into the season with one of them as the starter.

The easiest way for the Knicks to infuse talent at point guard would be through the NBA draft. Luckily for the Knicks, there are plenty of point guard options in a deep 2017 draft class.

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The Knicks will probably miss out on the top options. Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, and De’Aaron Fox are all expected to go within the top-five picks. The Knicks would still do well nabbing a point guard in the second tier. Whether that be Dennis Smith or Frank Ntilikana, the Knicks would do well landing a point guard.

The Knicks could also land a point guard with their second round pick if things don’t work out with the eighth pick. New York is bringing in Iowa State point guard Monte Morris for a workout. He would be an excellent addition in the second round as he is one of the more underrated prospects.There looks like there could be another option emerging for the Knicks.

But, there looks like there could be another option emerging for the Knicks in the first round. According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Knicks have more than a casual interest in Lousiville guard, Donovan Mitchell.

The 6-feet-3 inch combo guard has the skills to play point guard in the NBA. He filled in at point guard last season when Quentin Snyder got hurt. Louisville head coach Rick Pitino sees Mitchell as a point guard.

"“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.”"

Mitchell has a lot to like in a prospect. He has a 6-feet-10 inch wingspan, which can make him a terror defensively at point guard. His experience playing off ball gives him some versatility and he has excellent character.

Mitchell made major strides in his sophomore season at Louisville. He improved his jump shot and was arguably the best player on a team that won 25 games and earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Selecting Mitchell with the eighth pick seems like a stretch. Unless every point guard is selected prior to the Knicks being on the clock, selecting Mitchell may be a reach. There have been some rumors about the Knicks looking into landing another first round pick.

If that comes to fruition, Mitchell would squarely be in the discussion. Mitchell has moved into the lottery and could continue moving up with good workouts. By the time the draft rolls around, Mitchell could be in consideration for the top-10.

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There is still multiple weeks until the draft, so things could change between then and now. There is no doubt that Mitchell brings a lot to the table the Knicks would like. Will he fit into their draft plans with the No. 8 pick, or will they have to make other arrangements to land him?

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