Cavs' Donovan Mitchell receives MVP recommendation from Richard Jefferson

The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to the hottest start in the NBA, and Donovan Mitchell's brilliance has been the driving factor. Cleveland is 5-0 with wins over the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers earlier this week. Mitchell has averaged 23.8 points and 5.0 assists on 50/38/72 shooting despite playing just 30.2 minutes per game, which is low in his career.

ESPN's Richard Jefferson believes this is the year Mitchell could make it Rejoin the MVP conversation with the Cavaliers.

“I think this is the season where Donovan Mitchell really embraced the understanding of the game,” Jefferson said. “Right now we would say Donovan Mitchell is an MVP candidate. Let me be the first to say: If the Cavs continue to play at this level, Donovan Mitchell is an MVP candidate.”

Mitchell reaffirmed his commitment to the Cavaliers this summer, dispelling rumors of a move and signing a three-year contract extension worth $150 million.

Can Donovan Mitchell win MVP with the Cavaliers this season?

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Mitchell has sniffed the MVP conversation before. The five-time All-Star finished sixth in the 2022-23 awards season, his first season with the Cavaliers, after averaging 28.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1 on 48/39/87 shooting splits .5 steals. However, Joel Embiid would win the award after leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a record of 58-24.

For Mitchell to win the award this year, Jefferson believes he needs to give his team the easiest path to success in the playoffs.

“They’ve gotten better every year, especially during the JB Bickerstaff era,” Jefferson said. They bring in a new coach. Two years ago they lost to the Knicks in the first round. Last year they played seven games, won seven and then lost to the Boston Celtics. For him to be an MVP, which I think he can do, they need to finish in the top three and avoid the Boston Celtics.

“Otherwise they will face the Boston Celtics again in the second round and their season will look like last year. Or you finish in the top three, Donovan Mitchell is an MVP candidate, and you have a chance to play them in the conference finals.”

The Cavaliers are showing promising early success after hiring former Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson. Despite rumors of a possible roster shakeup this offseason, Cleveland president of basketball operations Koby Altman stuck with the core four of Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

This group has performed well from the start, with each player averaging over 17 points per game while shooting 50 percent or better. Cleveland boasts the NBA's top-ranked offense, posting a 123.4 rating through five games.

Mitchell and the Cavaliers will look to continue their hot start when they host the Orlando Magic on Friday before facing the Milwaukee Bucks at home.