Donovan Mitchell is spilling the tea on the toughest offensive stars to guard, and it’s a must-read!
Mitchell’s Nightmare List of Offensive Stars
So, Donovan Mitchell got real about the players that give him sleepless nights during an interview on Wave Sports + Entertainmentโs 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony & The Kid Mero. You’d think he’d put himself on that list, right? But nah, he had other names in mind. He kicked off with, "I would say, Book [Devin Booker], Ant [Anthony Edwards]," and then added, "Iโd say JB [Jaylen Brown] but put all the Celtics in there. I have so much respect for them. Steph [Curry], because you got to run with that motherfโker. You know Steph is just running around nonstop."
And he didn’t stop there. "I canโt say the KDโs [Kevin Durant], the Bronโs [LeBron James] because I donโt guard them, you know what Iโm saying? I give respect to Jalen Brunson here in New York. That motherfโker, heโs nice," Mitchell explained. Makes sense, considering he usually matches up against other guards.
Donovan Mitchell embraces the pressure of being the guy in #Cleveland. #Cavaliers star guard reflects on his new contract, new coach and his new affinity for wine. #NBA
โ Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears)
Spida’s Stellar Stats and New Deal
Mitchell’s been on fire lately. The dude’s been an All-Star five years straight, putting up insane numbers: 26.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting 46.2% from the field and 36.8% from three. And let’s not forget, he just signed a massive three-year, $150.3 million extension with the Cavs, including a player option for the 2027-28 season. Talk about securing the bag!
Heโs stoked about sticking around in Cleveland, even though some doubted his commitment. "Until the pen hits the paper, obviously words donโt mean anything. But for me, man, once I got traded here, I didnโt even know what was here until I got here," he said. "I just really love the people. I love the passion, the fandom, the organization obviously, and obviously my teammates."
Embracing the Pressure in Cleveland
During a chat with Andscape, Mitchell opened up about what it means to be the main man in Cleveland. Despite the allure of bigger markets, he’s all in with the Cavs. "You got to be the guy. And sometimes that means going out there and scoring. Sometimes that means going out there and then make sure everybody gets involved. Most nights itโs getting everybody involved, I should say. That is what comes with it," he shared.
In my opinion, Mitchell’s attitude is exactly what Cleveland needs. He’s ready to shoulder the load and lead by example. "Being the guy, when the praise comes, itโs never always about me. Itโs about my guys and helping me get there," he said. "So, understanding that whether we go far, we donโt go far, thatโll be placed on my shoulders and understanding and accepting that pressure and embracing it," Spida emphasized. "I feel like Iโve had that for the majority of my career."
So, what do you think? Will Mitchell lead the Cavs to the Finals, or will the pressure be too much?
