Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers are trying to get past the hump of this season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers lost in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs to the Indiana Pacers.
It was a disappointing end for the Cavaliers team, who wanted to compete for the title. Now, the Cavaliers are hungered to get the job done this season.
Donovan Mitchell never breaks out of the second round of the playoffs in his career, and hopes that it will be the year he will ultimately achieve that with the Cavaliers.
Heading into this season, the Cavaliers are considered to be the team to beat the East. Despite high expectations, they are still expected to play Jaylon Tyson, who is only 22 years old.
Tyson was selected by the Cavaliers for his 20th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Throughout his rookie season, he was assigned to the Cleveland Charge several times.
The Cavaliers don’t have any depth along their wings, so Tyson has a chance to shine this season.
Mitchell spoke about what he’s seen from Tyson so far, and said the Cavaliers would give him an opportunity for an early season.
“He is one of our best shapes and is the best player of the shape we have right now.
“I challenged him all summer. “Every time we play a basketball game, every time we play, whatever we play, we’re playing back and forth.”
“He consistently understands what it does, and on the contrary, he made me a better player.
“What you can do shows the level, but certainly shows he’s ready. He’s hungry, he’s working on a jump shot, be smart, show his hands, don’t fail,” added Mitchell.
“He will obviously get some opportunities early this season, especially you will be thrown into the deep edge and you have to learn how to swim.
“We don’t have the time like we do now. We’re throwing him there like we’re sitting here and trying to take him and show him the movie.
“You don’t just do it for people who aren’t necessarily prepared. I think it’s something you need to have that trust and belief in order to be that, and I think he’s got it.
“He has a great energy, a great atmosphere, a positive attitude, and he wants to be great with what he does all the time.”
Tyson was his first draft pick after an impressive show with the California Bears. He earned first-team All-PAC-12 honors after averaging 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
Tyson played just 9.6 minutes per game as a rookie with Cleveland, but he spent some breakout moments when given increased play time.
Tyson recorded 31 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block in the Cavaliers season finale. He also recorded 16 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals in the game on November 20th.
These two performances demonstrated the well-balanced skill set of Tyson, whom he introduced at university.
If Tyson intervenes, the Cavaliers can overcome Strath’s loss, and they have new, versatile wings to spin.