Donovan Mitchell ☆ Follow

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Starts 2 of 2 games · 1st on CLE in minutes · Core role

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Every situation, with four seasons of history →

• Podcast Danny Cunningham (Locked On Cavs) (reported), via Locked On NBA · Relayed report · 33 h ago around the league

  Against Brooklyn, Evan Mobley was really good, Donovan Mitchell did some good things, and Jarrett Allen was fantastic and even hit a three. Tony says it was a poor James Harden night.

  “Are the Miami Heat Already in PANIC Mode After NIGHTMARE Start? Golden State Warriors LOOK Helpless” at 29:21 · listen ↗

• Podcast Locked On Cavs · 4 points · 34 h ago
  • Danny Cunningham: Host analysis: the blueprint for beating the Cavs is out. Pressure the ball and make them work to get it across half court, which disrupts their offense and makes life difficult for Mitchell and Harden. at 7:18
  • Danny Cunningham: Cavs were sometimes over-aggressive on the defensive glass, with two players going for the same ball, including Donovan Mitchell a couple of times. The host says he can live with that mistake. at 12:06
  • Danny Cunningham: The Cavs played 10 players. Everyone except Jarrett Allen had at least one assist, and seven had three or more. Mobley, Watson and Mitchell had four assists each. at 17:44
  • Danny Cunningham: Host opinion: the Cavs' starting lineup has three elite-level defenders. Harden will not be a good defender at this point in his career. Mitchell's defensive effort has been higher and good enough. at 20:53

  “Cleveland Cavaliers Earn First Win While Surviving Scare Against Brooklyn Nets” · listen ↗

• Story ESPN · Article · 37 h ago

  Cavaliers survive a late Nets rally to win home opener 125-121

  source ↗

• Podcast The Mismatch host · Report · Oct 23 around the league

  Donovan Mitchell had 22 in the first half; the host thinks he had only two in the fourth quarter (hedged).

  “The Return of Loves and Loathes. Plus: A Historic Thursday Night.” at 7:07 · listen ↗

• Podcast First Take host · Opinion · Oct 23 around the league

  Stephen A. (inferred) said he has no faith in the Cavaliers because of the pieces around Donovan Mitchell, not Mitchell himself.

  “Hour 1: How dangerous does Caleb Williams make the Bears?” at 20:34 · listen ↗

• Podcast The Herd with Colin Cowherd · 2 points · Oct 23
  • Colin Cowherd: Players guarded by Donovan Mitchell shot 67% last night, according to the host. at 22:23
  • Colin Cowherd: Host opinion: Mitchell 'won't guard anybody' and Harden is 'too flaky in big spots'. He presents this as part of why LeBron chose Philadelphia. at 23:56

  “THE HERD – HOUR 1 – Caleb Williams keeps sizzling I Drake Maye is carrying the Patriots” · listen ↗

• Podcast Locked On Cavs · 5 points · 37 h ago
  • Chaz asked whether Donovan Mitchell sits too long in the fourth quarter. at 3:29
  • Tim worries the Cavs are missing a late-game closer presence. He believes Mitchell has what it takes, but said something has been missing since the playoffs, or arguably since last Christmas. at 4:14
  • Chaz believes Mitchell is a killer and starts games great. She thinks that when he is hot, sitting him on the bench for more than three or four minutes kills his rhythm, and that the team needs to find a balance. at 4:42
  • In the third quarter, Mitchell was blitzed and hit Mobley at the nail, who shuffle-passed to a cutting Jarrett Allen in dunker range. Tim called the action unbeatable. at 9:22
  • Mario Hezonja (reported): Mario Hezonja said at his media availability that he had a conversation with Donovan Mitchell about how they can work together. at 16:38

  “CAVS POSTCAST: Cleveland Cavaliers Blow Lead but SURVIVE as Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen Deliver” · listen ↗

• Podcast Get Up host · Report · Oct 23 around the league

  Donovan Mitchell owned the first half with over 30 points. The Cavs led by as many as 29 and by 24 at halftime, and the Sixers were booed.

  “Hour 2: Caleb Unstoppable, Bonjour Steelers Nation, The Revenge Run” at 16:36 · listen ↗

• Podcast Get Up host · Report · Oct 23 around the league

  Win man (heard): Cleveland's perimeter trio of James Harden, Peyton Watson and Mitchell combined for 16 turnovers, and the Cavs had no transition baskets in the second half.

  “Hour 1: Bear-Y Impressive, 29-Point U-Turn, Brown Trouble” at 22:24 · listen ↗

• Podcast Locked On NBA · 4 points · Oct 23
  • Jarrett Allen subbed out after the first bad run of the third quarter, and so did Mitchell, leaving Mobley with Harden. Moore questioned why Atkinson uses this as the base setup. at 6:06
  • Moore's opinion: Jarrett Allen should be on the floor with Harden at all times to give Harden a lob threat. Mitchell should be paired with Mobley for more switchable lineups, plus another guard. at 6:29
  • Moore's view: Mitchell is more versatile than Harden because he doesn't spam pick-and-roll and can play off the ball. at 6:43
  • Hayes's view: a Harden–Mitchell backcourt will have flaws. He said this was the closest he has seen to 'playoff James Harden' in the regular season, and that should scare the Cavs. at 3:54

  “The Cavaliers Need Help | James Dolan Is The WORST” · listen ↗

• Podcast Marc Farzetta, Locked On 76ers · Report · Oct 23 around the league

  Maxey took the Donovan Mitchell assignment from VJ Edgecombe or Jaylen Brown, but only in spurts.

  “SIXERS WITH INSANE 29-POINT COMEBACK TO WIN HOME OPENER - Philadelphia 76ers Podcast” at 18:55 · listen ↗

• Podcast The Athletic NBA Daily · 2 points · Oct 23
  • In the first half Cleveland's offense attacked Maxey and Edgecombe in mismatches: Donovan Mitchell posted up Maxey and Hezonja got post touches. at 8:23
  • Host says Cleveland's offense gets predictable: opponents trap Harden and Mitchell and force Mobley, Jarrett Allen or Peyton Watson to make decisions. Making Watson and Mobley better on offense is called the swing question of the season. at 13:53

  “The Thunder Are Inevitable + Philly Trusts the Process” · listen ↗

• Podcast Locked On NBA host · Opinion · Oct 23 around the league

  A host or guest, likely David Ramil, said the Cavs' future depends on Mobley taking a leap as the second scoring option to Donovan Mitchell, which he didn't show in this game. Separately, he expressed serious doubts that Mobley has another level to reach.

  “GAME NIGHT: How the Philadelphia 76ers Won Their Fans Over in a 29-Point Comeback” at 15:11 · listen ↗

• Podcast Locked On Cavs · 4 points · Oct 23
  • In the second half, the Sixers ramped up physicality and ball pressure on Cleveland's primary ball handlers, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. at 6:35
  • Donovan Mitchell (reported): Donovan Mitchell mentioned postgame that the Sixers have elite transition players. The listing of LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey and Jalen Brown is the host's elaboration. at 20:56
  • Host's view: Mitchell competed and did a solid job defensively. Harden was not very good defensively. at 28:04
  • Defensive counting stats: two steals each for Watson, Mitchell and Mario Hezonja. One steal each for Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Porter and Harden. Seven team blocks, two of them by Tyson. The Sixers had nine offensive rebounds. at 28:28

  “Cleveland Cavaliers Collapse On Opening Night in Philadelphia Against LeBron James and the Sixers” · listen ↗

• Podcast Marc Farzetta, Locked On 76ers · Report · Oct 22 around the league

  Tyrese Maxey led the team with 32 points, tied for the game high with Donovan Mitchell. He played 42 minutes with only two turnovers and had two steals (three in game one).

  “76ERS POSTCAST: Philadelphia 76ers COMEBACK FROM 29pts, BEAT Cleveland Cavaliers 114-106” at 5:24 · listen ↗

• Podcast Locked On Cavs · 3 points · Oct 22
  • Donovan Mitchell was on a heater but sat for most of the third quarter. Both hosts say this. at 3:13
  • A host says Atkinson left James Harden in while he played terribly. at 7:29
  • Donovan Mitchell is the hosts' Locked On Player of the Game. He missed two free throws, which fans criticized, but the host says the game shouldn't have come down to free throws. at 17:47

  “CAVS POSTCAST: Kenny Atkinson BLAMED; Cleveland Cavaliers BLOW Massive Lead to LeBron James & 76ers” · listen ↗

• RotoWire RotoWire · Report · Oct 22

  Donovan Mitchell: Erupts for 32 points in loss — Mitchell finished with 32 points (11-19 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 8-11 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block in 35 minutes during Thursday's 114-106 loss to the 76ers.

  source ↗

• Podcast Danny Cunningham, Locked On Cavs · Report · Oct 22

  Last season Jarrett Allen played 56 games at 27.1 minutes per game. That was slightly above Jaylon Tyson and Sam Merrill, and below Harden, Mitchell and Mobley.

  “The Latest on the Injury to Jarrett Allen and Previewing the Cleveland Cavaliers Opener Against Philadelphia w” at 7:04 · listen ↗

  also reported by Locked On Cavs host

• Podcast Locked On Cavs · 3 points · Oct 21
  • Danny Cunningham: The host says Donovan Mitchell is the only other Cav who really does this kind of movement work. He does it at lower volume than Merrill and tends to attack downhill rather than shoot. at 6:15
  • Danny Cunningham: The host thinks the top eight is set. His five starters are Mitchell, Harden, Watson, Mobley and Jarrett Allen. at 16:47
  • Danny Cunningham: After practice, the host saw Thibodeau talking with Donovan Mitchell and Johnny Bryant. The host says Bryant was on one of Thibodeau's staffs in New York. at 27:35

  “Injury Updates on Sam Merrill and Nae'Qwan Tomlin, the Expected Opening Night Rotation and Tom Thibodeau's Vis” · listen ↗

• Podcast NBA GM survey (reported), via It Is What It Is · Relayed report · Oct 20 around the league

  NBA GM survey, shooting guard: Anthony Edwards with 73% of the votes, then SGA, Luka and Donovan Mitchell.

  “NBA Is Officially BACK, GM Survey Is WILD Disrespectful & Are The Knicks Being Slept On?” at 27:26 · listen ↗

• Podcast Locked On Cavs · 2 points · Oct 20
  • The host's view: a deeper rotation keeps minutes down, which Atkinson likes to do. He says Atkinson does not want to play Donovan Mitchell 35 minutes a night, certainly not in October. at 32:12
  • Donovan Mitchell (reported): The host says Donovan Mitchell, he believes on Friday, called Jaylon Tyson phenomenal last year and said he has taken it another step. at 16:25

  “Breaking Down the Most Important Early Season Storylines for the Cleveland Cavaliers” · listen ↗

• Podcast Locked On NBA host · Analysis · Oct 19 around the league

  Hayes cites Cleveland's addition of Peyton Watson. He expects Watson and Evan Mobley to cover for the defensive lapses of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.

  “Ranking ALL 30 NBA Teams! Our Official 2026-27 Tier List” at 52:14 · listen ↗

  also reported by Locked On Cavs host

• Podcast The Zach Lowe Show · 2 points · Oct 19
  • Fred on Cleveland's offseason: he liked the Peyton Watson signing, which adds switchability at the third spot. Cleveland flipped Garland for Harden. Harden has re-signed and is 37. Donovan Mitchell got a big extension. Fred says Mobley got the escalator on his contract because he won Defensive Player of the Year. at 59:04
  • unnamed people around the league (reported): Zach said unnamed league people he asked mentioned the Cavs: Jarrett Allen came up, a couple named Donovan Mitchell, and Mobley did not come up. Zach thinks Mitchell's deal is too big and it's too early. at 1:01:37

  “Knicks Preview, Playoff Picks, Finals Predictions, and More!” · listen ↗

• Podcast Locked On Cavs · 3 points · Oct 19
  • Host argues Harden's value is removing the offensive drop-off when Mitchell sits. In his view, Harden reduces Mitchell's burden and lets Mitchell do more when Harden is off the floor. at 17:04
  • Host says Harden, Mitchell and Watson are not currently trade-eligible. Mobley will not be traded, and the team is definitely not trading Watson anyway. at 28:07
  • Host predicts Donovan Mitchell makes All-NBA second team and remains a top-10 player. at 30:42

  “Making Predictions for the 2026-27 Cleveland Cavaliers” · listen ↗

• Podcast Danny Cunningham, Locked On Cavs · Report · Oct 17

  In the scrimmage, the gold team's starting lineup included James Harden, Evan Mobley and Peyton Watson. Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen were both on the wine team.

  “Evan Mobley and Peyton Watson Stand Out During Cleveland Cavaliers Wine & Gold Scrimmage” at 3:32 · listen ↗

  also reported by Locked On Cavs host

• Podcast Locked On Cavs · 2 points · Oct 16
  • NBA GM survey (reported): Donovan Mitchell got 3% of the vote for best shooting guard and finished fourth. Anthony Edwards won with 73%. at 14:22
  • The host's view: Mitchell is effectively the second-best true shooting guard, since the two players ranked between him and Edwards (SGA and Luka Doncic) are not shooting guards. at 15:02

  “Reacting to the Cleveland Cavaliers Placement in the Annual NBA GM Survey” · listen ↗

• Podcast Locked On Cavs · 3 points · Oct 15
  • Danny Cunningham: In the preseason, Jarrett Allen was paired with Donovan Mitchell. Danny calls this a reversal from the last two years, when Mobley was Mitchell's partner. at 20:41
  • Danny Cunningham: Danny thinks Donovan Mitchell's playmaking was fine during the preseason. at 20:33
  • Mike Lucas thinks Mitchell and Harden hold up very well when switched onto bigger players, and the Cavs might exploit this through switching or deliberately baiting mismatches. He adds Tyson, Hezonja and Tomlin as hard to move. at 28:09

  “Evan Mobley's Pressure, Peyton Watson's Preseason and Mario Hezonja's fit with Mike Lucas” · listen ↗

• Podcast Locked On Cavs · 2 points · Oct 13
  • That same five started the Sunday night preseason game against Orlando. at 2:30
  • After Sunday there was talk of Mario Hezonja as a point guard of sorts. The host thinks he can take some playmaking off Mitchell, who he believes is better off the ball, in a role he likens to Ty Jerome's impact in 2024-25. at 22:31

  “Why Meleek Thomas and Mario Hezonja Appear to Be Big Factors for the Cleveland Cavaliers” · listen ↗

• Podcast Locked On Cavs · 4 points · Oct 12
  • The host says the Cavs need Harden to be willing to take catch-and-shoot shots. He believes Harden shot about 43-44% on those looks after Cleveland acquired him last season. He argues that this role makes more sense because three of the other starters (Mitchell, Mobley, Watson) can make plays for others. at 4:48
  • The starters were Harden, Mitchell, Allen, Mobley and Peyton Watson. All five had at least four rebounds. at 13:37
  • In the Thursday loss to Boston, Mobley had one rebound and Mitchell had none. The host called both unacceptable. at 13:20
  • Change from past usage: against Orlando, Harden and Mobley played as a duo, and Mitchell and Allen played as a duo. By the end of last season, Mitchell had been paired with Mobley and Harden with Allen. at 30:38

  “James Harden and Mario Hezonja Shine in Cleveland Cavaliers Preseason Win Over Orlando Magic” · listen ↗

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