When he first entered the league, Donovan MithMitchellcell constantly drew Dwyane Wade comparisons. The resemblance was somewhat evident; they were both undersized shooting guards with a knack for getting to the rim.
His crafty moves and euro-steps helped him shake off the defense in the perimeter, and, unlike Wade, he could knock down threes consistently. However, he also differed from The Flash in one key aspect— his defensive prowess.
The 6-foot-4 Wade hung his hat on the defensive end of the floor, and he's probably the greatest shot-blocking guard in NBA history. Mitchell, who's two inches shorter, has never come close to him on defense, and after nine years in the league, he probably never will.
Donovan Mitchell's defensive limitations are a big problem for the Cavaliers
Mitchell is about to enter his tenth year in the Association. He may bulk up or get leaner, but he's not getting any taller. That alone exposes him on the defensive end of the floor, as he's often forced to take the opposing team's point guard.
While that shouldn't be an issue in itself, Mitchell's inability to stay in front of his guy continues to leave him on an island. Everyone wants the switch and to go at him in isolation, and that only becomes more worrisome in the playoffs.
The Cavaliers have a point guard-sized shooting guard who can't defend point guards. They paired him with James Harden, a jumbo guard who can't defend anyone, and that's a recipe for disaster, especially in a seven-game series.
Opposing teams have made a living of picking on Harden in the playoffs. The Cavs went through that last season when the New York Knicks kept going at him and, for inexplicable reasons, Kenny Atkison simply refused to make adjustments or even call a time out.
Harden got all of the blame there, and rightfully so, but it's not like the picture would've been much different with Mitchell. He's coming off posting a career-worst 116 defensive rating and a -0.2 defensive box-plus minus, per Bastkeball Reference.
Mitchell is an outstanding three-level scorer, but it takes a special type of player to make the offensive contributions outweigh the defensive limitations. With all due respect, he's not Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, or even Jalen Brunson.
Of course, that doesn't mean the Cavs should just pull the plug on him and send him packing, but they must be more careful with his supporting cast. Pairing him with James Harden in the first unit is a ticking time bomb, and perhaps they should explore the possibility of having Harden come off the bench to keep at least one solid backcourt defender on the court at all times.
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