Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell has been named the best 29-year-old player in the NBA by Bleacher Report. This recognition comes after a season where he led the Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference Finals, though their playoff run ended with a 93-130 loss to the New York Knicks on May 26, 2026.
Why is Donovan Mitchell ranked number one?
Bleacher Report placed Mitchell ahead of other elite players like Jamal Murray, Bam Adebayo, Jaylen Brown, and Devin Booker. The outlet noted that Mitchell's time in Cleveland has been heavily scrutinized despite his consistent excellence. He's made the All-Star team in each of his last seven seasons.
With the Cavaliers, Mitchell has averaged 26.7 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.3 three-pointers per game. He's finished in the top seven of MVP voting in three of his four seasons in Cleveland. His playoff performance has been even stronger, averaging 27.3 points per game in the postseason while wearing a Cavs uniform.
What does this mean for the Cleveland Cavaliers?
The ranking validates the Cavaliers' massive investment in their franchise cornerstone. This offseason, Mitchell signed a four-year, $273 million maximum contract extension. Team president of basketball operations Koby Altman said Mitchell has defined the team's culture and standard since his arrival from the Utah Jazz in 2022.
Altman praised Mitchell's leadership and his impact on the Cleveland community through his SPIDACARES foundation. Securing Mitchell long-term is a clear statement of the organization's commitment to building a championship contender. You can view the full roster build on our [squad](/squad) page.
How did last season end and what's next?
The Cavaliers' 2025-26 season concluded with a sweep by the Knicks in the conference finals. It was the team's first trip to that stage without LeBron James since 1992. Their recent form shows five consecutive losses to end the campaign.
Looking ahead, Cleveland is projected to start a lineup of James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Peyton Watson, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen for the 2026-27 season. Mitchell enters the year with career averages of 25.1 points in the regular season and 27.8 points in the playoffs across his time with both the Jazz and Cavaliers. The new season tips off against LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers, promising an electric atmosphere from day one.
