Pitino: Knicks Snubbed Donovan Mitchell in 2017 Draft

Rick Pitino revealed he phoned the Knicks before the 2017 draft and implored them, "Listen, take my guy Donovan Mitchell. He's going to kill it," but New York replied, "Nah, I don't know if we can take him that high" and selected Frank Ntilikina at No. 8. Mitchell slid to Utah at No. 13 and became a six-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player (career 24.9 ppg), while Ntilikina never developed — a stark what-if that still matters for the Knicks' draft legacy. Merlin sees small choices grow into long shadows. New York rebuilt around Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and other stars, but Pitino’s call and Mitchell’s rise are proof that caution can cost a franchise a cornerstone. This story reminds fans that draft night whispers echo for years and shape rivalries when former prospects meet again.