The early signs are great
Back in August, before the blockbuster trade, Christopher Kline from the Sixer Sense ranked all the backcourts. This was before the Mitchell was sent to Cleveland, but still the Cavaliers were misplaced. Now though, Mitchell and Garland are one of, if not, the best.
In only a small two-game sample, the duo have averaged a combined 55.5 points per game while also contributing 13.5 assists per game. Even though it is a small sample size, if you compare them to Trae Young and Dejounte Murray (50.2 PPG, 17.5 APG), they are as good if not better. Out West, the Phoenix Suns backcourt of Chris Paul and Devin Booker are averaging only 37.3 points per game in comparison.
The biggest surprise of this young backcourt, and again I emphasize it’s a small sample size, but both Mitchell and Garland have been much better than advertised on the defensive end. Mitchell proved with Garland out that he is a more than capable defender when he puts in the effort. On top of that, his small, but strong frame gives him the strength the guard bigger defenders if need be. Both players are also becoming better off-ball defenders as the season goes on.
Combined, the two are averaging 3.2 deflections per game, which isn’t a lot, but is proof that they are getting comfortable in head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s defensive scheme. Finally, even though it can be as a result of those around them, to some degree, both Spida and DG are the only two backcourt teammates in the top ten in defensive win shares this season.