No one doubts that Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers is having a terrific season.
His average of 28.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists is one of the reasons why the Cavaliers have been surging over the last few weeks.
But even though he’s doing well, he hasn’t been part of the MVP conversation, until now.
The latest MVP leader from NBA.com, via NBACentral, features Mitchell in the eighth spot, just ahead of Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis.
Other players on the list include Nikola Jokic at the top, followed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Donic, Jayson Tatum, and Kawhi Leonard/Domantas Sabonis.
https://t.co/wWGNmWnCY9’s updated MVP Ladder:
1. Nikola Jokic
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
4. Luka Doncic
5. Jayson Tatum
6. Kawhi Leonard / Domantas Sabonis
8. Donovan Mitchell
9. Kevin Durant
10. Anthony Davis— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 16, 2024
This is great news for fans of the Cavaliers, who have been waiting to see Mitchell included in this sort of list.
They believe he has earned the right to be considered an MVP candidate.
But the first of potential MVPs is very crowded this year, so even someone as talented and proven as Mitchell might not make the cut.
The race for MVP changed in a drastic way recently with the latest injury to Joel Embiid.
Up until a couple of weeks ago, Embiid was the favorite to win the trophy for the second year in a row, but he isn’t going to play the required amount of games needed to earn end-of-season prizes.
Therefore, there was a shakeup that allowed more players, such as Mitchell, to climb into the top ten.
No matter what happens with MVP, Mitchell is intent on continuing to play hard and well in the months ahead.
It’s paying off too because the Cavaliers are currently the second-best team in the East with a 36-17 record.
NEXT: Cavs Veteran Notes Major Factor For Season Turnaround
