Cavs’ Mitchell is bullish on Garland, and it’s great duo has gotten work in

Earlier this month, the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired guard Donovan Mitchell in a deal with the Utah Jazz. The Jazz did receive a haul in return for Mitchell, as Cleveland sent Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, three unprotected first-round draft picks and two picks swaps, so the Cavaliers gave up their share of assets.

It’s probably going to take some time into this coming season for the team to find its footing, in incorporating the newly-acquired Mitchell. When blockbuster deals like these happen, that has to be expected. One would have to assume that there’s going to be some growing pains for the Wine and Gold, and some rust for Mitchell, among others, would be understandable.

Despite that possibility, and the team giving up a notable haul for his services, it’s undeniable that the former Utah guard is one of the game’s best players, and he’s had a heck of a career thus far. Through five seasons, Mitchell has made three All-Star appearances, made the postseason each year, and he’s amassed career averages of 23.9 points, 4.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds per contest.

Furthermore, through 39 such games, he is seventh in NBA history in postseason points per game at 28.3; he’s tacked on 4.9 rebounds and 4.7 assists in said contests. Needless to say, I do get the Cavaliers’ rationale here in going out and acquiring Mitchell.

It was a pretty shocking move, as the New York Knicks appeared to be the frontrunner to land Mitchell, and not too long ago, he seemed destined to be a Knick. Not to mention, that’d be a homecoming for him, as he’s from New York, and in Mitchell’s introductory press conference on Wednesday, he was candid about thinking he’d be going home.

In that same presser, though, and prior to it, Mitchell emphasized how he’s really pumped to be playing in Cleveland, and felt the love and outpouring of fan support before his presser even. Mitchell touched on how being able to play with guys such as Darius Garland, Caris LeVert, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen is so exciting, too, and that the Cavs are a club on the rise in the Eastern Conference. You can view more on initial reactions from that presser here, for context.

One thing that also stood out from Mitchell’s comments in the presser, in particular, was how he was very complimentary of Garland’s abilities, such as in regards to his shooting, and that both have gotten some real work in already. That was via Evan Dammarell of Fear The Sword and Right Down Euclid.

Also, the two have seemingly gotten a decent dose of playing time together in this offseason, too, as we noted. Here was more pertaining to that aspect, via Spencer Davies of BasketballNews.com.

This was in relation to how Mitchell took part in some Cavs pickup games recently in Nashville, of which Garland organized, and it was there where Mitchell had a feeling of the “cameraderie” of the group. There was more on his comments on Garland’s shooting, too, both via Davies.

"“Mitchell already senses the Cavs’ cameraderie, and he’s gotten a head start on interacting with the guys thanks to Garland’s efforts to get the team together in Nashville last week for some pickup games. Even before that, Mitchell has trained with Cleveland’s fourth-year All-Star a number of times, and has liked what he’s seen.”‘In the times we worked out, I consider myself a pretty good shooter and I’m trying to keep up with him and I’m like, ‘Jesus,'” Mitchell said. ‘That had me have to even raise my level in a workout. If he can bring that out on a night in and night out basis… and we’re now on the same team, you know it could be special.”‘"

Mitchell had high praise for Garland, and it’s nice to know the new Cavs backcourt duo has gotten some work in already.

Clearly, while it’s early, Mitchell seems to be a big believer in Garland, and rightfully so. Garland followed up a bounce-back season in 2020-21 with an All-Star season in Year 3 in 2021-22, and on the season, had averages of 21.7 points and 8.6 assists per contest.

For the Wine and Gold this coming season and beyond, those two have the makings of a hell of a duo for the Cavaliers, and Mitchell stating how the two have gotten some run together and workouts at other instances is encouraging.

Obviously, it’s up to those two to prove that they’re capable of being a big-time pair of contributors in tandem for considerable stretches with the Cavs, and defensively, there are going to be some question marks at times.

To that point, it’ll be up J.B. Bickerstaff and company to figure out lineups to make things work, such as potentially starting Dean Wade, and to help maximize both Garland and Mitchell on the offensive end, paired with that.

But, taking it all into account, it’s understandable for fans and the team to be excited about what lies ahead, and Mitchell speaking glowingly about Garland’s skill set/outstanding shooting abilities in that presser adds to that anticipation for everybody as well.

And, to reiterate, it is a plus that Mitchell and Garland have gotten some real work in together over the course of this offseason, particularly with the 2022-23 season just around the corner in starting a bit over a month.

Buckle up, Cavs fans. There’s sure to be plenty of fireworks.