Cavs Trade for Mitchell: Could This be the Best Non-Lebron Team in Franchise History?

Take away LeBron James, and the Cleveland Cavaliers have never had a serious contender. The late 90s were a complete disaster. They had the bloated alcoholic version of Shawn Kemp, whose stint with the team ranks as one of the all-time weirdest second acts (alongside Patrick Ewing on the Sonics, Dominique Wilkins on the Celtics, and Allen Iverson on Memphis). They had a couple years when Andre Miller, never considered a scorer, led the team in points. And then they had the Ricky Davis years, where he did things like this: Ricky Davis’ Bold Failed Triple-Double Attempt Led To Him Being Nicknamed 'Wrong Rim Ricky' (opencourt-basketball.com)

 

Consider the only other successful Cavs era that didn't involve Lebron. In 1988-89, the team was led by the great Lenny Wilkins and had a team with Mark Price, Brad Dougherty (a number 1 pick, 20-10 guy, that ultimately derailed by injuries in his late 20s), Ron Harper (a 20-point scorer also derailed by injuries), and an autumnal Larry Nance. That year, the team finished a respectable 57-25, but lost to the Bulls in a deciding game 5 on the famous "shot over Ehlo." For the next few years, the Cavs repeatedly finished with 50+ wins, but time and again lost to the Bulls. While that was the best non-Lebron Cavs team, it was, at best, a 90s Eastern Conference afterthought (historically outpaced by the Pistons, Pacers, and Knicks).

Those forgotten teams were 30 years ago!

But alas, the Cavs are making a push for the best non-Lebron team in franchise history. With last week's trade for Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs have raised their ceiling from up-and-comers to fringe contenders. Right now, they have a little bit of everything. 

They have Darius Garland, a point guard that can score and breakdown the defense to get his teammates involved. Then they have Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley to protect the paint and grab boards. What's really scary about this trio is the upside. They are all under 24 years old. Garland and Allen have already made an all-star team. Most pundits believe Mobley will join them shortly (some, like Bill Simmons, have even floated the idea that Mobley could be the next Tim Duncan).

Now, they have added Donovan Mitchell, the missing puzzle piece. In Cleveland, Mitchell has the situation that could allow him to be his best version. Always criticized for his defensive flaws, Mitchell now has rim protection with Allen and Mobley and athletic, defensive-minded wings (Joe Ingles and Jordan Clarkson were never those guys). On offense, he can lean on Garland to be the playmaker, a role Utah desperately wanted Mitchell to fulfill. But that always seemed like putting a square peg in a round hole. Essentially, Cleveland can boil Mitchell down to what he does best: score.

So will this be a match made in heaven? I think so. And for both Cleveland and Mitchell, it couldn't have come at a better time because. Cleveland needs desperately to escape from under Lebron's shadow, and Mitchell needs to avoid becoming this era's Steve Francis.