NBA: Buy or sell 20 of the most surprising early-season trends

Joel Embiid (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
Joel Embiid (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
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NBA Cleveland Cavaliers Donovan Mitchell
NBA Cleveland Cavaliers Donovan Mitchell (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken a bit step back; Donovan Mitchell questions

Through the first nine games of the season, you can make the argument that the Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the biggest disappointments in the Eastern Conference. After they made the move for Donovan Mitchell, the belief was that the Cavs were going to be “next up” in the Eastern Conference. So far this season, the Cavs have continued to struggle with expectations – similar to how they did in the first round of the playoffs.

Deep down, I truly believe that the Cavs are in a difficult spot. I’ve maintained that their core is in too different spots in their development and it’s caused them to struggle as a team. Mitchell is ready to win for a championship-level team. Garland and Mobley are not. It’s that simple.

That’s the big reason why I believe the Cavs have taken a step back. And I think the questions surrounding Mitchell are only going to grow as Cleveland continues to struggle as a team.

Verdict: Buy