When it comes to shooting guards, All-Star Donovan Mitchell is definitely among the best the NBA has to offer. However, when it comes to overall player rating, sports analyst Charles Barkley gave a very different ranking for the Cleveland Cavaliers star.
As the Cavaliers prepare for the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season, all eyes are on star guard Mitchell, especially after Charles Barkley ranked him 43rd in his list of NBA players from 21 to 50. This ranking has drawn criticism from fans, many of whom believe Mitchell deserves a spot in the top 30, given his impressive performance last season.
In 2023-24, Mitchell averaged a career-high 29.6 points per game, along with 5.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists. Despite battling injuries that limited him to 55 games, his playoff performance was pivotal in leading the Cavaliers past the Orlando Magic in the first round. With expectations high following his contract extension, Mitchell is set to play a crucial role as the team aims for deeper playoff success.
Darius Garland, another key player for the Cavs, is also motivated to improve after a disappointing previous season. He expressed his desire to stay healthy and regain his form, aiming for an All-Star and All-NBA caliber season. The synergy between Mitchell and Garland will be essential as the team looks to capitalize on their talent and potential.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell Receives Intriguing NBA Ranking From Charles Barkley
Unlike Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic and Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic, Mitchell has found himself on the opposite spectrum of Barkley’s list of top players in the league. This can be seen in an article published by Bleacher Report.
The 2024-25 NBA season tips off this week, and outlets all over the internet are publishing their individual player rankings. At Bleacher Report, we have the ultimate trump card: The official ranking from the legendary Inside the NBA crew. Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith all made their own top 50s (you can see the aggregate version that combines all three here), and we’re looking at Barkley’s below.
43. Donovan Mitchell, Guard (Cavaliers)
With new coaching strategies in place and a strong roster, the Cavaliers are poised for a breakout year. Mitchell’s ranking by Barkley may serve as motivation, pushing him to exceed expectations and prove his critics wrong.
As the season approaches, both he and Garland are eager to showcase their skills and help the Cavaliers make a significant impact in the league, aiming to establish themselves among the top contenders in the NBA. The focus will be on teamwork, leadership, and resilience as they embark on this new chapter.
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