Cavs, Donovan Mitchell press conference takeaway 6: Playoff experience
Donovan Mitchell has made the playoffs in each of his five seasons in the NBA and has only missed one game due to injury. He has totaled 39 career playoff games. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Isaac Okoro and Caris LeVert combined have 18 playoff appearances, nine each for LeVert and Allen when they were on the Brooklyn Nets.
Mitchell knows that things slow down in the playoffs, and he explained that it becomes about the little things, making the right play each time. He described each possession being like the 4th quarter with the shot clock turned off. Game to game the pressures are unique, too; Game 2 down 0-1 at home is one feeling, Game 5 is another.
He spoke about championship habits, and that they have to be built each and every day during the season. Putting in the work and preparing your body and mind for what they will experience in the playoffs. He’s done that his entire career and can help the Cavs move in that direction this year and beyond.
Cavs, Donovan Mitchell press conference takeaway 7: Accelerated timetable
Finally, it was clear that with Mitchell on board the Cavs are ready to compete right now. Mitchell described that they were really good last season even without him, spending much of the season third in the East, and now they could go out and compete.
“On paper” they look scary, Mitchell said, but now they have to put in the work and prove it. General Manager Koby Altman declared the team “ready to compete’ but said the great part about the age of this core is that it’s not “championship or bust” this season. They have a long runway to become a true contender.
Most players speak positively coming into a new situation, but Mitchell seemed genuinely excited to be a part of this team and what they are building. As he and the rest of the Cavs put in the work and begin training camp soon, the future is bright for Spida and his new crew.