"That was somebody who could be the best guy on a finals team": NBA analyst gushes about Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell after flying start to the season
Donovan Mitchell has had no trouble adjusting to his new home with the Cleveland Cavaliers. NBA analyst Bill Simmons shared high praise for Mitchell following his performance against the New York Knicks.
In a post shared to his Twitter account, Simmons stated:
"Caught up on Knicks-Cavs this AM. That’s the best I’ve ever seen Mitchell play as a 2-way star - that was somebody who could be the best guy on a finals team."
Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points against the Knicks, while shooting 12 for 20 from the field, including 8 of 13 from 3-point range. He also added 12 assists. The Cavaliers star has scored at least 30 points in five of his six games this season.
For the season, he is averaging 32.2 points, 7.3 assists and 4.5 rebounds. Furthermore, he is shooting 49.6% from the field, including 45.5% from 3-point range, and 85.7% from the free-throw line. All of those numbers, aside from his free-throw percentage, would be career bests for the three-time All-Star.
Check out Bill Simmons' tweet about Donovan Mitchell below:
Caught up on Knicks-Cavs this AM. That’s the best I’ve ever seen Mitchell play as a 2-way star - that was somebody who could be the best guy on a Finals team.
Can Donovan Mitchell lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to an NBA title?
The Cleveland Cavaliers have won just one NBA title in franchise history. After making four straight finals appearances between 2015 and 2018, the Cavaliers won no more than 22 games for three straight seasons. Over that time, however, they were able to build a solid core that nearly made the postseason in 2021-2022.
With a young core of All-Stars Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Rookie of the Year runner-up Evan Mobley, the Cavaliers won 44 games last season. While they were unable to win a play-in game, Cleveland's front office was very aggressive this offseason. The Cavaliers landed star guard Donovan Mitchell in a blockbuster trade.
While the Cavaliers defense was an elite unit in 2021-2022, their offense struggled mightily. Although Garland, last season's leading scorer, has played just 13 minutes this season, Cleveland's offense has improved tremendously.
The Cavaliers currently rank eighth in points per game and fifth in offensive rating. Additionally, their defense has not missed a beat, as it currently ranks second in opponents points per game and defensive rating.
The Cavaliers currently sit at 5-1 and look to be one of the NBA's best teams. While they may not be true title contenders just yet, acquiring Mitchell has opened the title window.
All four members of their young core are signed for at least three seasons. Although they may not contend for a championship this season, Cleveland should be back in the title picture soon.