Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell explained why he thinks next season could be different for the team, especially on offense.
After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals this past season, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be entering the new 2026-27 NBA season ready to go even further.
However, the Cavaliers are being counted out by many around the league, partly due to how they ended last season. Cleveland was swept out of the conference finals, looking fairly lethargic toward the end of the series.
But the roster may be better this season, and there should be more continuity. James Harden will have a full offseason with his new team, building more chemistry.
The Cavaliers also brought in forward Peyton Watson to help with the defense. All in all, this should make things easier for star guard Donovan Mitchell, taking some of the burden off his shoulders.
Mitchell recently opened up about why this coming season could be very different for this team, highlighting the roster upgrades. The Cavaliers star appeared on the Cousins podcast with NBA legends Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter.
“There was something that I noticed that, offensively that can really help me that I feel like those moments when you are tired, you know what I mean? Like, kind of getting to those points where it’s like, I ain’t got to do all that over there,” Mitchell said.
“I’m not old, but I’m not young. So, like, being able to, you know, preserve yourself and kind of work on those different things and seeking people out to kind of trying to help with that.”
Mitchell understands that he can't do it alone, and the team has given him a strong roster to work with. But the guys alongside him will have to step up, helping ther star guard when he needs it.
Someone like Harden can take some pressure off Mitchell offensively, giving him more time to breathe. But Harden has his own share of issues in his playoff history.
In the postseason, Mitchell averaged 26.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Mitchell did his part to bring the Cavaliers close to the NBA Finals, but it just wasn't enough to get the job done.
The star recently signed a four-year, $273 million contract extension to remain in Cleveland. Mitchell has given his all to the city, and now it's up to the rest of the roster to get the team over the hump.
The Cavaliers know that there is some pressure on this group this year to find more success. And if they can't make it again, there could be some big changes coming to the roster.
Cleveland will open the new season against the new-look Philadelphia 76ers on October 22.
