Continuing our top 25 list, we arrive at Donovan Mitchell. The Cleveland Cavaliers guard is a world-class scorer with a solid all-around game. Let’s dive into Mitchell’s game and his place among the NBA’s best.
Top 25 NBA Players 2024-25: No. 16 – Donovan Mitchell
A Dynamic Three-Level Scorer
There are few scorers as complete and dynamic as Mitchell. With superb athleticism, Mitchell is an explosive finisher and skilled downhill scorer. Mitchell is also a high-level shooter from beyond the arc and the mid-range area. Mitchell’s three-level scoring abilities make him one of the most difficult players to game plan against in the league. In addition to his incredible scoring, Mitchell is a rapidly improving and high-quality playmaker. Overall Mitchell has an ideal combination of elite scoring, incredible athleticism, and high-level playmaking.
Season Recap
Mitchell led the Cavs to their second straight playoff appearance and first playoff series win since 2018. Despite multiple injuries, the Cavs finished as the fourth seed and won 48 games. In 55 games Mitchell posted averages of 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists on 46.2/36.8/86.5 shooting splits. His 6.1 assists per game and 28.1 assist percent were both career-highs. Impressively Mitchell’s +5.5 estimated plus/minus ranked within the top 10. The Cavs had a 36-19 record in games that Mitchell played, which is a 53-win pace. From early February to early March, the Cavs were the second seed. Additionally with key injuries to Evan Mobley and Darius Garland Mitchell carried the Cavs to an impressive 15-4 stretch. Mitchell was a fringe MVP candidate during this time.
While injuries in early March kept Mitchell in and out of the lineup and was ineligible for awards his season was incredibly impressive. Mitchell’s stellar play continued in the playoffs and he propelled the Cavs to a first-round series win over the Magic. He averaged 28.7 points on the series including a 50-point outburst in Game 6 and a 39-point performance in Game 7. Mitchell was the Cavs’ only consistent source of offense during the playoffs. Before going down with an injury Mitchell had three brilliant games against the eventual champion Boston Celtics.
Donovan Mitchell’s last 4 games:
▫️ 50-4-4 on 65% (outscored the rest of the Cavs)
▫️ 39-9-5 on 57% (pulled off largest G7 comeback ever)
▫️ 33-6-5 on 61%
▫️ 29-7-8 on 67% (upset on the road as +13.5 underdog)Cavs are +41 with him ON and -37 with him OFF. Just backpacking. pic.twitter.com/xc0Mo4gsks
— ɴᴏᴛ (@georgemikan) May 10, 2024
Season Outlook
Over the offseason, Mitchell signed a three-year $150 million dollar contract extension with the Cavs shutting down rumors of him leaving as a 2025 free agent. The Cavs also extended Mobley and Jarrett Allen. While they didn’t make any key roster changes, securing their core is a massive win for Cleveland. Additionally, the Cavs hired Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach. Atkinson will give the Cavs a more uptempo style of offense with an emphasis on shooting and ball movement.
Mitchell already thrived in the JB Bickerstaff’s system. However, Atkinson could empower Mitchell more as a playmaker and his assist number further improve. More importantly for the Cavs Atkinson’s hiring could also allow Mobley’s offense to blossom and Darius Garland is poised to have a bounce-back season. Having two consistent scoring options next to Mitchell could allow the Cavs to compete for a top-three seed despite the East improving. If the Cavs reach 50-plus wins expect Mitchell to receive first-team All-NBA buzz.
The Last Word
Mitchell is a victim of the league being loaded with talent. He could be a top-10 player in previous years and is a high-quality number-one option with incredible scoring abilities. However, there are simply too many talented players for Mitchell to be any higher than 12. While 16 might feel like a harsh ranking for Mitchell, it’s a reflection of how talented the league is rather than a knock on Mitchell.
