In the midst of a busy media at Rocket Mortgage Field House, superstar Donovan Mitchell continued to show his commitment to the Cavs. Mitchell made multiple comments throughout the day expressing his love for Cleveland.
Superstar Reaffirms His Commitment to Cavs
When the blockbuster deal was made in September 2022, a lot was made of Mitchell’s commitment to being a Cavalier. Reports stated the New York native, had preferred to be dealt to the Knicks and that he would not re-sign in Cleveland.
“From the minute I got here, I told my mom, I really like it here….This is excluding everything on the basketball floor, but I love it here.” Mitchell said.
In his two seasons as a Cav, Mitchell has elevated his game to another level. In 2022-23, the former Louisville Cardinal averaged a career-high 28.3 points per game. Additionally, last season Mitchell had 26.6 points a contest, higher than any season he had in Utah. The Cavs found their superstar with Mitchell, someone who is happy to stick around for a while.
“I really like it here. It’s good to have a media day where we’re not talking about where I’m going next.” said Mitchell. “You just know where you’re gonna be, I knew since January.”
Donovan Mitchell speaks about his trade to Cleveland and how it is here.
“I really like it here. It’s good to have a media day where we’re not talking about where I’m going next.” pic.twitter.com/76pWYRjO3D
— ¹⁰ (@HoodiGarland) September 30, 2024
Mitchell committed to Cleveland after signing a three-year $150 million extension this summer, ending any rumors of his exit.
Mitchell And Garland
Throughout media day in Downtown Cleveland, Mitchell had nothing but praise for his teammates. They reciprocated that love. Darius Garland had a wholesome response when asked about his relationship with Mitchell.
“That’s my Brother” Garland said.
Garland and Mitchell have had quite the success offensively in their two years as teammates. Last season when on the court together, the Cavs had a plus 4.4 net rating.
“The people who really understand basketball they know what’s going on and they really see [that they work].” Garland said.
The Cavs’ success is highly dependent on the tandem. A majority of Cleveland’s scoring comes from the backcourt. Before Mitchell arrived in Cleveland, Garland was the team’s leading scorer and most utilized player on offense. Now with Mitchell, the two are a formidable one-two combo leading the offense.
Mitchell and Garland had injury issues during last season which led to a dip in production from both players. Garland is confident ahead of this season coming off of his jaw injury from late 2023.
“I was really playing catch up. Really wasn’t myself and wasn’t my best version out there” Garland said. “I definitely put on a few pounds. I’m excited for the season.”
Mitchell also had his own thoughts on Garland’s return.
“My biggest thing is ‘How do you respond.’ He’s been Mr. Cleveland, he’s been Mr. Cavalier since he’s been here.”
With injuries behind the team, Mitchell is confident that the team can hit another gear.
“I believe when we’re healthy, we’re a championship contending team.” Mitchell said.
The Cavs won their first playoff series since 2018, this past campaign against the Orlando Magic. They fell to the eventual champion Boston Celtics in five games in a second-round tussle. The front office did not add any new faces except first-round pick Jaylon Tyson. However, a fully healthy Cavs team could certainly make some noise in the East.
