Donovan Mitchell torched Pistons in Game 3. He thought Pistons were drafting him

Donovan Mitchell poured in 35 points and added 10 rebounds to help rally the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 116-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons , for a 2-1 deficit in the best-of-seven second-round series in the 2026 NBA playoffs. But nine years ago, Mitchell thought he was about to be drafted by Stan Van Gundy, then the president of basketball operations and head coach of the Pistons. Instead, they took Luke Kennard, a sweet-shooting sophomore guard from Duke, over Mitchell , a sophomore from Louisville.

SHAWN WINDSOR: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons fumbled an opportunity in Game 3 Below is an excerpt from a Free Press story published March 14, 2018 , headlined: "Donovan Mitchell thought he 'aced the test' to join Detroit Pistons in NBA draft" and written by then-Pistons beat writer Vince Ellis. Donovan Mitchell thought he 'aced the test' as Pistons draft pick And as the seconds ticked away before the 12th pick, Mitchell thought the Pistons were going to call his name. The thought was based on a strong workout he had during a predraft visit to Auburn Hills a few days before the NBA Draft on June 22 .

And it was based on a film session with Pistons president and coach Stan Van Gundy. “I did really well in the film session with Stan,” Mitchell said. “I watch a lot of film so I remember exactly what plays were run.

I remember the play calls in college, where I was supposed to be, when I was in certain positions. I thought I aced the test. This is it.