Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell Not Named 2024 NBA All-Star Starter

The Cleveland guard was not named a 2024 NBA All-Star starter despite leading Eastern Conference guards in both points and steals per game.

In his second season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, star guard Donovan Mitchell is in the midst of a career campaign.

The 27-year-old is averaging 27.6 points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. His current career-best average of 1.9 steals per game also ranks third in the league. Additionally, his 5.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 0.4 blocks (tied) per game are all career-bests.

However, when the 2024 NBA All-Star starters were announced, Mitchell was not one of the Eastern Conference’s two guards selected.

Earning the pair of nods instead were Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton and Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard.

Mitchell, who was named an All-Star starter for the first time in his career last year, is a four-time reigning All-Star. His résumé so far this season has certainly stacked up not just to Haliburton and Lillard, but to all guards in the Eastern Conference.

Jan 24, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum / © Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland guard leads Eastern Conference guards in both scoring and steals per game, averaging more points and steals per contest than both Lillard (25.3 PPG, 1.1 SPG) and Haliburton (23.6 PPG, 1.1 SPG). Mitchell also ranks fifth among Eastern Conference guards with a +6.9 plus/minus, ranking above both Lillard (+5.0, 12th) and Haliburton (+5.0, tied for 13th).

Furthermore, according to StatMuse, Mitchell’s 22.6 player efficiency rating ranks 14th in the NBA, seven spots above Lillard (20.7).

Although Mitchell was not named an All-Star starter, he still has a chance to be named an All-Star for his fifth consecutive season. The 2024 NBA All-Star reserves will be announced on Thursday, February 1 at 7 p.m. on TNT.