Jan 16, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Donovan Mitchell is committed to playing good defense for his new team, the Cleveland Cavaliers after a blockbuster trade in the Summer.
A surprising deal sent Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Even though The names of the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks were to Mitchell in trade rumors throughout the entire offseason, he ended up in Cleveland.
The addition of Donovan Mitchell has immediately elevated the Cavaliers to legitimate NBA Finals contender status. Lauri Markkanen, Ochair Agbaji, and Collin Sexton, as well as three unprotected first-round selections from the Cavaliers, were part of the package to acquire Mitchell.
Fans are thrilled that Donovan Mitchell is joining the Cavaliers, but the team’s backcourt has defensive issues that need to be addressed. Mitchell will be playing with up-and-comer Darius Garland, and the two are both small for their positions. Garland and Mitchell share the same height.
The Cavs would love to see Garland continue to develop as a defender this season. Mitchell’s lackluster defensive play has been a constant throughout his professional career, so the Cavaliers would love to see him improve in that regard.
However, Mitchell has claimed that he can contribute on the defensive end as well. He said, “I can play defense. I know that for a fact. I haven’t shown that and that is what I’m looking forward to doing here.”
Everyone knows that Mitchell is a prolific offensive player, if he can improve his defense, then the ceiling of this current Cleveland Cavaliers team is quite high for the future.
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