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Utah Jazz shooting guard Donovan Mitchell was voted as the biggest steal of the NBA Draft in Tuesday's 2017-18 NBA rookie survey. Mitchell (18.9 percent) edged Dallas Mavericks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. (13.5 percent), who was voted as the most likely candidate to win Rookie of the Year and most athletic in this draft class.
Rounding out the top five were Atlanta Hawks' big man John Collins (19th pick) with 12.2 percent, Golden State Warriors forward Jordan Bell (38th pick) with 10.8 percent, and Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (27th pick) with 9.5 percent.
Mitchell was drafted 13th overall and was considered the second-best prospect at the shooting guard position after Kentucky's Malik Monk (selected with the 11th pick by the Charlotte Hornets). The three-and-D specialist averaged 2.1 steals per game in college, one which validated his nickname “The Spyda” despite being selected after 12th overall pick Luke Kennard.
While picks 11 to 13 were three straight shooting guards after a point guard galore in the top-10 of the board, Mitchell remained the most well-rounded option at the position and the one most likely to have an immediate impact due to his versatility.
The Louisville standout showed his capabilities during the Summer League, leaving a strong impression on his franchise and others who passed on him during draft night.
