In the absence of their star player Darius Garland, who is sidelined due to a jaw fracture, the Cleveland Cavaliers confronted the Atlanta Hawks. Despite the setback of losing their primary orchestrator, the team rallied collectively for a victory. Donovan Mitchell took the ball-handling command and scored 22 points. However, he was supported by 3 other players reaching the 15-point mark and two additional teammates touching 11 and 14 points each. More than half the team scored in double digits.

The entire team showcased remarkable teamwork, accumulating 32 assists. Moreover, the roster dominated the board with 18 offensive rebounds. In the aftermath of the Cavaliers’ successful navigation through their first game without Garland, a seasoned veteran on the team expressed admiration and offered advice to their emerging new leader.

Tristan Thompson paves the next few weeks for Donovan Mitchell

Amid persistent injuries affecting star players in Cleveland, Tristan Thompson was queried about the approach Donovan Mitchell should adopt as the team leader. Drawing from his experience with Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, Thompson emphasized that Mitchell should prioritize early ball distribution to get his teammates involved. According to Thompson, this strategy not only opens up the floor for Mitchell but also enhances the overall efficiency of the entire team.

Recognized for his exceptional scoring and as an offensive threat when in possession of the ball, Mitchell showcased a different facet of his game in the matchup against Atlanta. Beyond his notable 22 points, Mitchell exhibited an inclination for sharing the ball, amassing 13 assists—marking a new career high.

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It appears that Spida is already embodying Thompson’s desired approach. Currently, Donovan maintains an average of 5.1 assists per game this season. With the mantle of leadership firmly in his hands and Tristan’s validation, his assist can certainly experience a significant surge in the coming days.

Cavaliers might trade Mitchell

The Cavaliers find themselves without two key starters in Garland and Evan Mobley. They are coming off a strong season, ranking 4th in the Eastern Conference. Currently, they rank 9th on the table. Furthermore, they will now face formidable teams while dealing with roster limitations.

Even though Donovan Mitchell has taken charge, he has also made it clear that he won’t be extending his deal with the Cavaliers this season. If the Cavs fall out of the top 8, it will further diminish their chances of retaining Mitchell.

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So, given Mitchell’s stellar performances and the approaching February trade deadline, his trade value is that of a star player. Furthermore, there are multiple teams in the league eyeing ‘the missing piece’ for their title contention. Considering Mitchell’s reluctance to re-sign with the team, the Cavs could capitalize on his market value by trading him to reload the roster.