Texas freshman Dillon Mitchell declared for the 2023 NBA draft last month, and the 19-year-old has been busy training with his agency in Los Angeles, California.
Mitchell left open the option to return to school next season when he announced his draft intentions on April 12. He recently took part in his first workout with the Portland Trail Blazers and was among the prospects invited to compete in the draft combine May 15-21.
The 6-foot-8 forward is highly touted for his athleticism and burst on offense, and ability to defend. He did the majority of his scoring in the paint and wasn’t known as a floor spacer, but is working to showcase that ability in front of teams.
I think that has been the biggest part. I’ve been putting a lot of work in and I think now just being able to show it and show that I can be more versatile — grab rebounds and push the ball myself; showing more parts of my game that maybe I wasn’t able to show. I think the main focus right now is just working on my jump shot.
Mitchell, a former five-star prospect from the Montverde Academy, averaged 4.3 points and 3.9 rebounds on 63.6% shooting from the field in 38 games. He scored in double figures six times, including a season-high 16 points on Dec. 27.
He is working out with his CAA Sports teammates, sometimes as many as three times a day. He believes that work is enabling him to take the next step as a shooter, which will ultimately help him at the next level either this year or next year.
Mitchell explained what else he brings to the court.
I think my athleticism is kind of what pushes me over the edge and my defense. Constantly being able to switch, working on being able to switch on guards, staying down on guards. I think my athleticism and defense is what pushes me over the edge. I just have to show the other parts of my game and if I am able to show that, I can just continue to work to be an all-around player.
After taking part in his first workout with the Trail Blazers, Mitchell has others on the schedule. He said he has visits planned with the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Clippers.
He has until May 31 to withdraw from the draft and return to school.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=650262453]