Cavs Opinion: Why Donovan Mitchell Deserves More MVP Recognition

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell is ranked ninth on NBA.com's MVP ladder.

We've already seen some incredible performances so far this NBA season. Luka Doncic dropped 73 points against the Atlanta Hawks, Joel Embiid also had a 70-point performance, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to shine game after game.

Unsurprisingly, all of these players are viewed as contenders to win the league's MVP award at the end of the season and they certainly deserve it. But there is one player who has earned a little more recognition as a favorite. 

That would be the Cleveland Cavaliers' own Donovan Mitchell.

Feb 8, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) goes up for a dunk in the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports / © Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Let's look at the stats.

Mitchell is averaging 28.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. All of which are career-highs for the seventh-year guard. In terms of the rest of the NBA, Spida is fourth in points per game, top-10 in efficiency, and is getting it done on the defensive end being tied for second in steals (1.9).

Something that also seems to be important in terms of deciding the MVP is overall team success. Success is certainly something this Cavs team has been able to emulate especially over the last month and a half.

Cleveland was 13-12 on December 15 when they learned that Darius Garland and Evan Mobley would be sidelined with injuries. Mitchell vowed the team would go on a run and that's exactly what they did.

The Cavs are now the second seed in the Eastern Conference and have a 21-4 record since the middle of December. Yes, a lot of players on the roster have stepped up but Mitchell has been the one leading the charge.

Spida is putting together a career year on a team that currently is one of the best teams in the NBA. That should at least warrant a little more MVP respect