Donovan Mitchell spent the 2024-25 season proving he could lead a championship contender, but now the real test begins. After guiding the Cleveland Cavaliers to the best regular season record in the Eastern Conference, only to fall short in the second round against the Indiana Pacers, Mitchell faces a different kind of pressure.
The question isn’t about his talent anymore, it’s about whether his body can handle what’s required to bring Cleveland its first title since LeBron James left.
What Do the Cleveland Cavaliers Expect From Donovan Mitchell?
Every team that LeBron James left always appeared to see a significant decline in contention for a title in the aftermath of the NBA legend’s departure. Although many may have predicted that the Cavaliers would face the same fate, the team has undergone a successful and quick rebuilding process.
Most importantly, the Cavs’ decision to acquire Mitchell and make him the face of the franchise has already transformed them drastically. Despite that, the team could not make it past the second round of the playoffs.
Tim Bontemps, a senior NBA writer for ESPN, reported that the Cavaliers will go as far as Mitchell is able to take them. Bontemps opined that Mitchell is being inadvertently compared to James since he is now the Cavaliers’ leader.
“Mitchell played brilliantly for the Cavaliers the past two seasons before wearing down during the playoffs… And that was with relatively short postseason runs. This season, the Cavaliers will be satisfied only if they return to the NBA Finals for the first time since LeBron James led them there for the fourth straight time in 2018.”
Bontemps concluded, “That’ll require Mitchell to hold up physically through the rigors of a deep playoff run…One that will require a lot of offensive creation from him and backcourt mate Garland, especially after Ty Jerome left in free agency.”
Can Mitchell’s Body Handle a Championship Run?
Over the years, fans have seen the best stars in the league reach their limits during deep postseason runs. The pattern has become familiar: explosive regular seasons followed by physical breakdowns when the games matter most. According to Bontemps, Mitchell suffers from the same issue.
As things stand, the Cavaliers have a solid chance of making it to the Finals. With stars such as Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton injured, any of the remaining contenders have a chance to gain momentum and make it to the NBA Finals. The window is open, but it requires Mitchell to be at his best when the stakes are highest.
Fans are left wondering if this could be the year Mitchell and the Cavaliers go the distance. The talent is undeniable, the supporting cast is strong, and the competition might be weaker than expected. The only question remaining is whether Mitchell’s body can match his ambition when the Cavaliers need him most.