Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell enters his fourth season with the Cavaliers, hoping to erase the disappointment of back-to-back playoff letdowns. Following a difficult end to last season, Mitchell has engaged in thoughtful conversations with teammate Evan Mobley about growth and responsibility. These exchanges are evidence of Jeremy’s dedication to improving not just his own game, but helping his teammates develop and grow. As the Cavaliers prepare for the upcoming season, Mitchell’s focus on improvement and adaptation will be crucial in determining the team’s trajectory.
Mitchell’s playoff exit was a painful one, but he did so on fire with an incredible 37.2% usage rate. He’s keen to not rest on his newly found success. He averaged a career-best 4.4 assists per game last season and played a significant role in the Cavaliers’ scoring, contributing to 33.7% of the team’s points. His mental approach to the game has led him to reassess past performances, replaying game series in his mind and analyzing hours of tape.
A New Mindset for Mitchell
Last season, Donovan Mitchell’s usage rate fell down to 30.9%, his lowest since his rookie year. As the playoffs drew near, he stepped up as an unsung hero, leading the league with a 3% increase in usage rate.
Mitchell would later say when looking back on the performance and looking forward to expectations, “I don’t have the answers right now for you.” His openness to address negativity and outside perceptions directly and frankly represents a different mentality as he moves into his first full-offseason taking over the program.
Mitchell’s work ethic and mental fortitude have been on display since the preseason. After suffering through a second heart-crushing playoff defeat in his first two seasons, Ingram stepped away from the game to clear his head and reassess. His discussions with Mobley reinforced that notion, but the need for accountability and leadership on the court.
The short interview that I had with [Mobley]. We praised his making a big leap forward last year. Mitchell’s encouraged by Mobley’s growth and believes he could be a special playmaker.
Overcoming Adversity Together
As the Cavaliers come into another season, they have to deal with the difficulty of losing two starters. As summer gave way to fall, the reality set in for Mitchell that these absences would push the team’s depth and character to their limits. He knows, too, that it’s time for Mobley and others to raise their game in this moment.
That’s going to have to continue to be a gut feel, he said of their developing positions on the squad. And a lot of that is just being where [Evan’s] at or where Dre’s at and just being ready for whatever comes.”
The mental side of the game can’t be emphasized enough, especially following what we all witnessed from the Cavaliers during this past postseason. De’Andre Hunter, reflecting on the team’s struggles, echoed this sentiment: “Game 1, that’s the game we’re supposed to win. We win that game and the series is completely different. We just kind of were mentally weak at times, and they were mentally stronger.”
Mitchell acknowledges that underestimating any team is a lesson learned. These past experiences will only further prepare the Cavaliers for what lies ahead. He understands that suffering brutal defeats can offer invaluable lessons about how to deal with adversity when it strikes in a future contest.
“We got a long season,” said Hunter. And there’s a lot of tests along that journey. Should we be able to withstand those tests, that will prepare us.
Aiming for Success
Mitchell’s numbers from a season ago tell you everything you need to know about the impact he’s going to have on the Cavaliers. And he still has an impressive 11 thirty-point games within the last two postseasons combined. Yet, he was most exasperated when his squad finished with a 5-6 mark in those contests. This terrible inconsistency is a cross that he bears as he seeks to do better.
Those little tests can benefit us going into the playoffs, Hunter said of their experiences. One thing’s obvious, if the Cavaliers were able to make a good history their springboard to greatness this season.
Kenny Atkinson, the team’s head coach, has emphasized the importance of balancing Mitchell’s offensive contributions with team dynamics. He anticipates an increase in Mitchell’s usage but aims for a well-rounded approach: “He’s got to be a playmaker for us, and you’re going to see an increase in usage again. But I need that balance—between perimeter and getting him the ball inside and getting him in the paint.”
Whether Donovan Mitchell is carrying the load or not, he’s fully focused on taking both himself and his team to a new level this season. His improbable journey is a story of resilience and determination, giving hope to Cavaliers fans everywhere who are looking for redemption after recent playoff heartbreaks.
Leave a Reply