In an interview with Marc J. Spears of Andscape on Thursday, Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell opened up about a range of subjects, shedding light on his future with the team and his hopes for the upcoming season. One of the key topics discussed was his decision to commit to Cleveland by signing an extension this offseason. Mitchell expressed his confidence in the organization’s direction and his comfort in continuing his journey with the Cavs, citing the team’s growth and potential as major factors.
Mitchell also shared his thoughts on the team’s coaching change, as the Cavaliers opted to replace head coach J.B. Bickerstaff with Kenny Atkinson. While Bickerstaff played a role in guiding the team to recent success, Mitchell is optimistic about Atkinson’s leadership, noting his experience and track record in developing winning cultures.
Reflecting on the Cavaliers’ playoff run last spring, which marked their first series victory since 2018, Mitchell acknowledged that while the team has made strides, they’re far from satisfied. He believes the Cavaliers have a higher ceiling and emphasized that their aspirations go beyond just making it to the second round. With their young core continuing to develop and new leadership at the helm, Mitchell has high expectations for the 2024/25 season and is eager to see the team take the next step toward competing for a championship.
“We’re championship contenders when we’re healthy,” Mitchell said. “I feel like last year we grew in a lot of ways. We played a lot of different ways. Now during that (22-4) stretch we went on (from December to February), obviously D.G. (Darius Garland) and Evan (Mobley) were hurt. But we found something that really can help bring us to the next level. So now the trick is how do we continue to implement that style of play over 82 (games) and then the final 16 (playoff) wins.
“But the development, that’s part of the reasons why I decided to sign was because I believe in our development,” he continued. “I believe in the hunger and the will that we have as a group. And so, for us, I believe we’re cherished contenders when healthy. But at the end of the day, I can tell you this, we got to go out there and continue to prove it on a daily basis. We haven’t done anything.”
Cavaliers Notes: Mitchell, Allen, Goals, Rotation https://t.co/9qvNp0x4KP pic.twitter.com/5YUwKkRHJ2
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) September 28, 2024
