Davion Mitchell is set to be a crucial part of the revamped Miami Heat squad, featuring big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and Klay Thompson.
The guard has set a single individual goal for the season with all of his focus being on team success, via Dan Riccio of Hot Hot Hoops.
"My individual goal is to win Defensive Player of the Year. It is all I got," Mitchell said in the interview. "No statistical goals, Defensive Player of the Year is just one of my goals."
Mitchell's defensive impact in Miami
Davion Mitchell Zion Williamson
Davion Mitchell Zion Williamson
Davion Mitchell has not been part of any All-Defensive teams, despite being valued highly for his defensive effort.
While he recorded only 1.0 steals and 0.2 blocks per game last season, his defensive impact goes beyond the stat sheet, as the guard pressures opposing ball handlers all game and still manages to handle the ball on offense for the Heat.
Last year in 70 games, Mitchell averaged 9.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.5 assists, playing 28.6 minutes per night.
The Heat finished 13th in the league in defensive rating and managed to clinch the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference standings with Mitchell having a large role offensively.
Now, with Antetokounmpo, the guard will have slightly less load offensively and more chances to show his defensive prowess next to capable forwards defensively in Giannis and Thompson.