Donovan Mitchell

When Hornets Failed to Soar High: The Donovan Mitchell Missed Opportunity!

Discover how the Hornets’ decision not to draft Donovan Mitchell led to one of the biggest 'what ifs' in NBA history!

In the world of basketball, the draft is often a pivotal moment for franchises, determining the future of their teams. In a surprising twist of fate, former Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford was an ardent supporter of drafting Donovan Mitchell during the 2017 NBA Draft. With a keen eye for talent, Clifford recognized Mitchell's potential to transform the Hornets into a stronger contender in the league. However, despite his enthusiasm and persuasive arguments, the Hornets' management chose to go in a different direction, ultimately selecting Malik Monk instead.

The decision to bypass Mitchell left many fans and analysts scratching their heads. Monk was a promising player coming out of Kentucky, but Mitchell had just led Louisville to a strong NCAA run and showcased an explosive scoring ability. As history would show, Mitchell would soon ascend to the ranks of star players in the NBA, while Monk's trajectory hasn’t quite reached the same heights. This choice created a ripple effect—while Monk has carved out a spot in the league, it's safe to say that his impact simply doesn't compare to that of Mitchell, who quickly became known for his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities with the Utah Jazz.

As the years rolled on, Mitchell became a household name, earning multiple All-Star selections and driving his team deep into the playoffs. In stark contrast, the Hornets struggled to find their footing in the competitive Eastern Conference. Fans often wondered what might have been had Mitchell donned the Hornets’ teal and purple jersey. Would Clifford still be coaching the team? How many more wins could the franchise have racked up with a transcendent talent like Mitchell at the helm?

Now the Hornets are left to ponder the ‘what ifs’ while Donovan Mitchell continues to shine as one of the league's brightest stars. The missed opportunity to select him is a reminder of how important each draft pick can be. To add salt to the wound, Mitchell occasionally expresses his fondness for Charlotte, a city he could have called home in his NBA career.

Fun Fact: Since joining the NBA, Donovan Mitchell has not only made a name for himself as a scorer but also played a key role in social activism, championing various causes off the court. Additionally, Donovan’s flashy play style and competitive nature earned him the nickname ‘Spida’ due to his incredible agility and wide-ranging abilities on the court.

Another interesting tidbit is that Malik Monk, the player chosen over Mitchell, had his breakout moment in recent seasons, showcasing that every player's journey in the NBA is unique and can lead to surprising outcomes. Nevertheless, fans of the Hornets will always remember that pivotal 2017 NBA Draft as a significant turning point in their franchise history!