In a recent interview, legendary college basketball coach Rick Pitino shared insights regarding a significant decision made by the New York Knicks during the 2017 NBA Draft. His conversation, revealed on the Roommates Show featuring Knicks players Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, discussed the Knicks’ choice to select Frank Ntilikina over Donovan Mitchell.
Rick Pitino Advocated for Donovan Mitchell
Prior to the 2017 draft, Pitino contacted the Knicks, urging them to select Donovan Mitchell with their eighth overall pick. He expressed confidence in Mitchell’s potential, stating, “He’s going to kill it.” Despite this strong endorsement, the front office hesitated, ultimately opting for Ntilikina instead.
Donovan Mitchell’s College Career
- College Team: Louisville
- Years Played: 2015 – 2017
- Awards: First Team All-ACC (2017)
- Final Season Field Goal Percentage: 40.8%
Mitchell’s performance in college raised some doubts, particularly regarding his shooting efficiency. This uncertainty led him to be picked 13th overall by the Utah Jazz.
Impact of the Draft Decisions
Since joining the NBA, Donovan Mitchell has excelled, earning six All-Star selections and two All-NBA nods. His career stats highlight a remarkable impact on the court:
| Statistic | Average |
|---|---|
| Points per Game | 24.9 |
| Assists per Game | 4.7 |
| Rebounds per Game | 4.3 |
| Three-Pointers Made per Game | 3.0 |
| Steals per Game | 1.4 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 45.1% |
| Three-Point Percentage | 36.7% |
In contrast, Frank Ntilikina has faced challenges in his NBA career. After being chosen eighth by the Knicks, he is remembered as one of the draft’s disappointments. His statistics over seven seasons reflect a struggle to find consistent performance:
- Points per Game: 4.8
- Assists per Game: 2.2
- Rebounds per Game: 1.8
- Field Goal Percentage: 36.9%
Current Status of the Knicks
The Knicks have since rebuilt their roster, featuring standout players such as Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges. However, they now face the challenge of competing against Mitchell, who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams.
Pitino’s revelation underscores a pivotal moment in NBA history, highlighting the discussions that shape team strategies and the long-term impact of draft decisions.
