Booker swapped into Middleton in the finals because it was their best defensive figuration to let Bridges roam. He regularly takes on the toughest defensive assignment in a similar fashion.
To be clear, I don’t think Book is a great defender. But he believes he is and he prides himself on it. Mitchell does need to adopt that mentality. I remember when he was a rookie and took the challenge of guarding PG and then Westbrook when he was physically overwhelming Rubio.
He’s way more capable than Booker on defense, just doesn’t have the same approach to the game.
To be clear, I don’t think Book is a great defender. But he believes he is and he prides himself on it. Mitchell does need to adopt that mentality. I remember when he was a rookie and took the challenge of guarding PG and then Westbrook when he was physically overwhelming Rubio.
He’s way more capable than Booker on defense, just doesn’t have the same approach to the game.