2023 NBA Playoffs: Ranking 6 stars with the most to prove this postseason

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Cleveland Cavaliers Donovan Mitchell (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports) /

4. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

Many expected the Cleveland Cavaliers to take a step forward this season. Though, I’m not sure many expected the Cavs to be this good this soon. And a big reason why the Cavs have surpassed pre-season expectations is because of the excellent play of Donovan Mitchell.

There’s a bit of revisionist history going around now that Mitchell has had a great season for the Cavs. But last summer, before he was eventually traded to the Cavs, there were teams that were somewhat reluctant to part ways with the number of assets that the Jazz was asking for. Great regular season aside, if Mitchell doesn’t continue his excellent play into the playoffs, some of those same questions are going to reemerge.

The Cavs are another team that isn’t a favorite. They could be viewed by some as a dark horse in the East, but I don’t believe anyone expects them to make a conference finals run. Not this season. But there’s no question that Mitchell has to come through for the Cavs. Cleveland went all-in for this very moment. And Mitchell needs to answer the call.