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Cavs must stop asking Donovan Mitchell to be someone he’s not

The Cleveland Cavaliers need Donovan Mitchell to be their leading scorer and go-to guy, and not their primary playmaker or ball-handler.

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 8:00 PM
Cavs must stop asking Donovan Mitchell to be someone he’s not
Key Things to Know
  • Writer Ernesto Cova argues the Cleveland Cavaliers must stop having Donovan Mitchell initiate the offense.
  • Cova states Mitchell is an elite scorer who is unsuited to playing as a pass-first point guard.
  • The writer recommends James Harden serve as the primary ball-handler, with Mitchell playing more off-ball.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Ernesto Cova of King James Gospel argues that the Cleveland Cavaliers should stop utilizing Donovan Mitchell as a primary playmaker. Cova notes Mitchell recently scored 32 points alongside three assists and five turnovers, which he believes highlights that the star guard is a natural finisher rather than a pass-first floor general.

Cova suggests head coach Kenny Atkinson should instead lean on James Harden as the primary ball-handler, with Craig Porter Jr. and Tyrese Proctor as secondary options. He concludes that allowing Mitchell to play off the ball will maximize his scoring efficiency and reduce unforced errors.

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