2. He Brings The Blue Collar Style Of Play

Similar to the first reason on why the Pacers should pursue a trade up in the NBA Draft for Davion Mitchell, the franchise wants to get back to being a blue collar style of basketball team.

Just a few short years ago, the Pacers owned the catchphrase “Blue Collar, Gold Swagger,” and it showed on the court. Every player was willing to sacrifice their body to win basketball games. They had elite talent, but hard workers, which always kept them in contention and winning.

Guys like Mitchell don’t come around all the time anymore. Finding players who leave their heart on the court every single game are few and far between. If the Pacers want young talent who will buy into that blue collar style of basketball, they don’t have to look any farther than Mitchell.

Kevin Pritchard opened up following the 2020-21 NBA season about his desire to get back to the old style of play. He wants to keep playing a modern brand of offense, but he wants hard-working players on defense. Mitchell can accomplish both of those goals for the Pacers.

Indiana fans love seeing hard-nosed defenders and they haven’t seen that for a few years. They would welcome Mitchell with open arms.