Tony Allen has his eyes on one Miami Heat defensive stalwart, and it’s not Bam Adebayo.
The Miami Heat are a team in flux right now. After the long-winding Jimmy Butler saga finally ended, the franchise is entering a rebuild.
While their assets aren’t the best, the Heat have a strong base to build upon with former All-Stars in Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
On top of that, the young talent trio of Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, and Davion Mitchell sparks a lot of excitement among the fans.
The Heat are one of the teams in the running for Kevin Durant. While the Heat’s trade package for Durant isn’t impressive, they cannot be ruled out.
But the Heat wouldn’t want to give up one young player, if you ask Tony Allen, because he is one of the best on-ball defenders in the league.
Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesTony Allen loves watching Davion Mitchell play defense
In an interview with FanDuel TV, Grizzlies legend Tony Allen talked about the players today who play with the ’90s heavy-hitting defensive intensity.
While Allen admitted there weren’t many players in the league that came to mind, he did enjoy watching Davion Mitchell of the Miami Heat. He added that Mitchell is a player he loves to watch because of his defensive effort.
“There ain’t too many of them left. When I played, the league was going in ‘shoot the three’ and all the defensive guys was out of there.”
“If I could say I like anybody that I like watching, my man Davion Mitchell. He locks up, man. I keep in tune with him a lot, but this is my chance to give him a shoutout.”
Mitchell’s defense even impressed Bam Adebayo, who praised the young guard. While Pat Riley ate pelters for the Jimmy Butler saga, he was praised for landing Mitchell in a trade.
Miami Heat hoping to retain Davion Mitchell in free agency
Davion Mitchell is one of the many NBA free agents this summer. After his rookie extension ends this july, he will be allowed to negotiate with teams.
But the Miami Heat don’t need to be too concerned, as Mitchell is a restricted free agent. The Heat will make Mitchell a strong offer, such is the expectation around the league.
If another team makes Mitchell an offer, they can match that offer due to acquiring his bird rights as part of the trade with the Kings.
Davion only played 30 games for the Miami Heat this season, where he averaged 10.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds.
At just 26 years of age, the Heat can develop Mitchell into an excellent two-way player. As the franchise enters their rebuilding phase, what better coach to help develop their young talent than Erik Spoelstra, one of the best in the NBA.
Keep an eye on Davion Mitchell this offseason, as he could land himself a great payday with the Heat as he becomes part of their core.