NBA Legend Charles Barkley Was Wrong About Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers star has been better than Charles Barkley expected.

Apr 6, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Charles Barkley reacts in the second half in the semifinals of the 2019 men's Final Four between the Virginia Cavaliers and Auburn Tigers at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-Imagn Images / Shanna Lockwood-Imagn Images

Donovan Mitchell is in the middle of an outstanding season.

In addition to his strong individual play, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been historically good.

Via Cavs Notes (on March 14): "The @cavs 56-10 record is tied for the 5th-best start through 66 games in @NBA history.

1. 2015-16 GSW: 60-6
2. 1995-96 CHI: 59-7
3t. 1996-97 CHI: 57-9
3t. 1982-83 PHI: 57-9
5t. 2024-25 CAVALIERS: 56-10*
5t. 2015-16 SAS: 56-10
5t. 1966-67 PHI: 56-10"

The @cavs 56-10 record is tied for the 5th-best start through 66 games in @NBA history.

1. 2015-16 GSW: 60-6
2. 1995-96 CHI: 59-7
3t. 1996-97 CHI: 57-9
3t. 1982-83 PHI: 57-9
5t. 2024-25 CAVALIERS: 56-10*
5t. 2015-16 SAS: 56-10
5t. 1966-67 PHI: 56-10#LetEmKnow

— Cavs Notes (@CavsNotes) March 15, 2025

Mitchell is averaging 24.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 44.5% from the field and 37.8% from the three-point range in 62 games.

He made his sixth straight NBA All-Star Game.

Mar 18, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Before the season, Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley ranked Mitchell as the 43rd best player in the NBA.

Via Bleacher Report (on October 17): "Chuck ranks his top 50 NBA players ahead of next season

50. CJ McCollum
49. OG Anunoby
48. Isaiah Hartenstein
47. Bradley Beal
46. Trae Young
45. Marcus Smart
44. Myles Turner
43. Donovan Mitchell
42. Tyler Herro
41. Naz Reid
40. Derrick White
39. Karl-Anthony Towns
38. Julius Randle
37. Damian Lillard
36. Brandon Ingram
35. Jrue Holiday
34. Zion Williamson
33. Jamal Murray
32. Aaron Gordon
31. Paul George
30. Tyrese Maxey
29. Jaren Jackson Jr.
28. DeMar DeRozan
27. Ja Morant
26. Jalen Brunson
25. Tyrese Haliburton
24. Jimmy Butler
23. Kristaps Porziņģis
22. Victor Wembanyama
21. Domantas Sabonis"

Chuck ranks his top 50 NBA players ahead of next season 👀

50. CJ McCollum
49. OG Anunoby
48. Isaiah Hartenstein
47. Bradley Beal
46. Trae Young
45. Marcus Smart
44. Myles Turner
43. Donovan Mitchell
42. Tyler Herro
41. Naz Reid
40. Derrick White
39. Karl-Anthony… pic.twitter.com/OPOtSY31tZ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 17, 2024

Based on Mitchell being the best player (on the top team in the Eastern Conference), Barkley was clearly wrong in his prediction.

In addition, there is no question that he is better than players such as Derrick White, DeMar DeRozan, Jrue Holiday and Brandon Ingram.