3 Cavs that earned untouchable status, 4 that should be cut loose

Cavs untouchable No. 2: Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell didn’t have the playoff series, and run, rather he and the team were hoping for in 2023. Mitchell and the Cavaliers offense looked out of wack for much of the series against the Knicks, and his Game 3 and 4 at Madison Square Garden didn’t lead to him having the homecoming he was hoping for.

In the last three games of the series versus the Knicks, Mitchell shot only five-of-24 (20.8 percent) from three-point range, and his true shooting clip was 45.9 percent. Mitchell had 15 assists in those games, and 18 rebounds and five steals, but he had 15 turnovers as well, and looked to be out of rhythm.

Despite the playoff disappointment and 2022 not being great in the postseason for the Utah Jazz, it’s difficult to know if the Cavaliers would’ve made the playoffs without trading for Mitchell last offseason, and he’s in his prime. Mitchell is still one of the game’s best guards, and one should expect him to bounce back in next year’s playoffs.

Mitchell’s shot creation, driving and playmaking abilities take pressure off of Darius Garland, and moving forward, Mitchell still should be a huge part of what the Cavs do on the floor and as a leader. He was an All-Star starter for a reason, and if the Cavaliers give Garland and Mitchell some shooting help this offseason, that should only validate the importance of both as passers and shot creators even more.