Donovan Mitchell is determined to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to glory. However, it won’t go the same way as the era of LeBron James.
Mitchell is coming off a 2024-25 season with the Cavaliers where they made regular-season history. They won 64 games, a feat that Cleveland hasn’t seen since James led them to 66 wins during the 2008-09 campaign.
However, the Cavaliers lost in stunning fashion during the 2025 postseason. After sweeping the Miami Heat in the first round, they ended up losing to the Indiana Pacers in five games during the East Semifinals.
Injuries played a significant role as Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter and Evan Mobley missed games during this series. Nonetheless, the Cavaliers still underperformed beyond expectations as they ended their season in disappointing fashion.
Mitchell remains optimistic in Cleveland’s title hopes with him leading the way. He took part in an interview with reporter Taylor Rooks, explaining how this version of the Cavaliers can be successfully different from that of James’ squads during his time there.
James led the franchise to the NBA Finals five times, winning their first-ever title in 2016 after seven games against the Golden State Warriors. Mitchell has massive respect for what James achieved at the time, but intends on succeeding with Cleveland in a different manner.
“I’m not Bron. I’m not gonna do it the same way he did it… We’re not the LeBron James-Kyrie Irving Cavaliers. We do it differently,” Mitchell said.
Donovan Mitchell on creating his own path with in Cleveland:
“I’m not Bron. I’m not gonna do it the same way he did it… We’re not the LeBron James-Kyrie Irving Cavaliers. We do it differently.”
(via Taylor Rooks X) pic.twitter.com/pWmettcvk5
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 27, 2025
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What’s Next For Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 13: Donovan Mitchell #45 and De’Andre Hunter #12 of the Cleveland Cavaliers react against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 13, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers certainly have incredible potential to be a title contender. However, they must learn from these mistakes this past season and adjust to be a serious threat for the next campaign.
Mitchell averaged 24 points, five assists and 4.5 rebounds per game after 71 appearances. He shot 44.3% from the field, including 36.8% from beyond the arc, and 82.3% from the free-throw line.
His efforts not only earned him his sixth All-Star selection, but also a place on the All-NBA First Team. It marks the first of his career, showing how far he came as an elite scorer in the league.
Mitchell has taken significant steps to elevate his skillset and bring the Cavaliers into the championship conversation. Before their second-round exit to the Pacers, hopes were high that they could make a deep playoff run.
The Cavaliers boasted the best scoring offense (121.9) and offensive rating (121.7) throughout the regular season. Their defense was also respectable, ranking 12th in scoring defense (112.4) and eighth in defensive rating (112.2).
Cleveland can still bring that success next season as they retain their star core of Mitchell, Garland, Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. However, they have decisions to make as standout sixth man Ty Jerome, Sam Merrill, Tristan Thompson, and Javonte Green are free agents this summer.
The Eastern Conference is wide open due to injuries from the Pacers, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. As a result, it presents the perfect opportunity for the Cavaliers to prove they deserve to be in title contention.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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