Mitchell is in line to receive the recognition he deserves.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the biggest surprises this season as they’re tied for the best record in the league at the All-Star break at 44-10. That’s good enough for a 67-win pace which would break the franchise’s previous best mark of 66 wins in the 2008-09 season if they can keep winning at that rate. The play of Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are a large reason why that’s the case.
Tim Bontempts of ESPN conducts a survey of 100 media members a few times throughout the season. The most recent poll has Mitchell placing fifth in MVP voting behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jayson Tatum. Mitchell finished with three third-place votes, 11 fourth-place votes, and 25 fifth-place votes.
Evan Mobley also received one vote for fourth place in the straw poll. This has him tied for 11th with LeBron James.
Mitchell placing fifth in the MVP voting would make sense. This season might not be his best season from a statistical perspective, but his team is succeeding in large part due to him ceding some control of the offense while still being one of the best-scoring guards in the league.
The highest Mitchell has finished previously in MVP voting was sixth in the 2022-23 season. Finishing fifth would be a step forward and would put him in line with being on the All-NBA First-Team for the first time in his career.
There are still 28 games left in the season. Anything can happen in that time, but it’s good to see that Mitchell is in line to receive the recognition he deserves for his phenomenal season.