Cavaliers Coach Makes Compelling Donovan Mitchell MVP Case

Kenny Atkinson believes Cleveland Cavaliers superstar Donovan Mitchell deserves more NBA MVP recognition.

Tommy Wild | Mar 11, 2025

Jan 18, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) talks with head coach Kenny Atkinson during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

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Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the league's top teams since the season began last fall. They're also cementing themselves as one of the best regular-season teams in NBA history.

That said, no one on Cleveland's roster is getting a ton of attention in the NBA's MVP race.

However, Kenny Atkinson doesn't believe that should be the case. The Cavaliers have consistently had the best record in the NBA this season and have been blowing teams out in dominant fashion all year.

If Cleveland were to have a player in MVP consideration, it would undoubtedly be Donovan Mitchell, and Atkinson made a compelling case for why he should be one of the finalists once the year is over.

"I hope we will (have Donovan in the top three of MVP voting). "If you look at Shai, Shai's having a great year, Donovan is right there. Just for argument's sake, best player on best team," said Atkinson following Cleveland's win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night.

Mar 5, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates after hitting a three point basket during the second half against the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Does Mitchell have the same game averages as Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, or Giannis Antetokounmpo? Not exactly.

However, it doesn't seem fair to hold that against him when the Cavaliers haven't needed him to be the guy every single night to win games.

In some ways, Mitchell taking a back seat has raised Cleveland's ceiling. A fantastic example of this is the breakout season Evan Mobley is currently having.

That said, when the Cavaliers have needed Mitchell to step up and take over a game in big moments, he's done just that.

For example, the superstar guard scored a season-high 41 points in Cleveland's come-from-behind victory over the Boston Celtics a week and a half ago.

The Cavaliers would never have been able to pull off that comeback with Mitchell's superstar contribution.

Just because Mitchell isn't scoring 30 points a game doesn't mean he hasn't been the NBA's most valuable player this year.

Value goes beyond scoring, and the Cavaliers' guard has shown his true worth in different ways this season.

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