From September 20, 2022

From: Nick Cammett (Getty Images)

If you were asked to name the most prolific playoff scorer of the past few years in the NBA, what would your answer be? I’m sure that many people’s answers would be LeBron James, Kevin Durant, or Giannis Antetokounmpo. But there is one name that I am certain almost no one would bring up, and he has quietly become one of the better playoff performers of our decade. Over his past three postseasons, he is averaging 31.4 points per game on 60.2% true shooting. His name? Donovan Mitchell.

MAKING A DECISION

After drafting guards in back to back years, the Cavaliers were criticized on what they were doing. Why take two players who cannot play off the ball, especially with other positions to fill on the roster? Cleveland needed to make a decision on what point guard they wanted to lead their future core. Heading into the 2021–2022 season, it was clear one of Darius Garland or Collin Sexton was not going to be on the team in the offseason. Garland made the decision easy, as he had an All-Star caliber year, averaging 21.7 points and 8.6 assists per game on a 53.6% effective field goal percentage. And in the most recent offseason, lead executive Koby Altman committed to Garland.

THE TRADE

In the biggest move of the offseason, the Cavaliers traded Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, and recent first round pick Ochai Agbaji to the Utah Jazz along with five first round picks for superstar guard Donovan Mitchell. The Cavs thrust themselves into title contention, while the Jazz are heading into a longer term rebuild.

A LOADED EAST

Following the blockbuster trade, the Cavs join a loaded Eastern Conference. The Celtics, Raptors, Sixers, Bucks, and Heat are all vying for a top four seed. Teams like the Bulls and Hawks have proven to be thorns in the side of contenders. So where does that leave Cleveland? I believe that the Cavaliers should be in the race for a top three seed. Already a top five defense in the NBA, Cleveland was lacking an offensive threat they can turn to when nothing else is working. J.B. Bickerstaff will be able to hide Mitchell defensively, as Isaac Okoro and Darius Garland will be able to handle most of the league’s perimeter threats. Mitchell solves many of the spacing issues that plagued the Cavs when Sexton and Garland shared the backcourt. Sexton was pitiful off the ball, and required the ball to be in his hands to bring any sort of value to the offense. Although Mitchell is known for his driving abilities, he is just as effective as a shooter. In his time in Utah, he frequently came off screens for open catch and shoot opportunities. If he does not take the three, his ability to get downhill to the rim opens up passing lanes for shooters, or a dump off to Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While there may be an adjustment period for the team, the Cavaliers will be cemented atop of the Eastern Conference for years to come. They are a young, fast team that plays hard for their coach. Their young core is under contract for the better part of a decade. A big three of Garland, Mitchell, and Mobley will haunt opposing coaches trying to game plan against them. Cleveland fans rejoice, as you have a chance to contend for a long time again.