Some people around the NBA like to joke about the amount of power LeBron James holds over each organization he joins. Some even say he has enough control to drive head coaches out of town. Could the same be true for Donovan Mitchell with the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Like the Lakers, the Cavs recently fired their head coach J.B. Bickerstaff after four full seasons where he delivered a win rate of 51.7%. Did Mitchell have anything to do with Bickerstaff’s dismissal?
ESPN’s NBA insider Brian Windhorst didn’t quite go that far, but based on how much control he says Mitchell holds over the Cavaliers organization, we wouldn’t rule it out.
“Donovan’s position with the Cavs right now is potentially as powerful as any team with any star player. With possible trades coming, with the type of contract he’s going to get offered. With the coaching position open. What Donovan has with the Cavs is what LeBron has with the Lakers, in fact it might even be stronger because the Lakers have another superstar player on their roster. Donovan is entering his prime.”
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on Donovan Mitchell’s control over Cavaliers
"What Donovan has with the Cavs is what LeBron has with the Lakers, in fact it might even be stronger," – @WindhorstESPN on Donovan Mitchell's level of influence with the Cavs. pic.twitter.com/1K60Huuy5K
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) May 29, 2024
Mitchell is expected to sign a maximum contract extension with the Cavaliers this summer, but before he does, it’s possible he gets involved in other team-building decisions, such as the next head coach, in addition to other roster moves.
After sending three first-round picks, two pick swaps, All-Star Lauri Markkanen and several other young pieces, it’s no surprise to see the Cavaliers stand by their new face of the franchise, and they’re apparently even willing to let him have input on potentially franchise-altering decisions.
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