Scars of Stars Past, Have Cavs Fans on Edge

Cleveland– In the past, stars were drafted to Cleveland and left for greener pastures and bigger markets. It’s happened in baseball as household names like Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome, Albert Belle, Frankie Lindor, and more all grew up here and left to chase bigger paydays and bigger markets. The Browns haven’t had a lot of stars, but most recently Odell Beckham Jr asked to be released, and went on to win a Super Bowl with the Rams.

Most famously though, the Cavs have seen Kyrie Irving ask to be traded and of course the biggest star in basketball, Lebron James leave not once, but twice to warmer climates and bigger markets. So, when Cavs star, Donovan Mitchell is in New York catching a first pitch from his former college coach Rick Pitino. Or Mitchell is on twitter actively rooting for his childhood baseball team, New York Mets, it becomes a thing that Cavs fans worry about.

Mitchell has openly stated he thought he was going to the New York Knicks before the Cavs swooped in and made a trade for the star guard last summer. When asked, Mitchell has always been honest about how he would have loved the opportunity to play in front of his family and friends in New York had the Knicks pulled the trigger on a trade for him. BUT… That didn’t happen. The Cavs acquired the guard, and he has done NOTHING to say or show, he isn’t happy in Cleveland. Mitchell is simply doing what star players who don’t play in front of their hometown do. He’s being a star in a small market.

I understand the Cavs haven’t had a star like this in his prime and under these circumstances (Being traded for. Not as a draft pick or picking the team in free agency). But this is what comes with a star player in a small market. The constant worry that star players will leave is exacerbated simply because of the scars.

Let’s put it out there. Yes, Mitchell can leave in two years when his contract is up and his Player option kicks in. so really, Mitchell potentially leaving is two, maybe three years away. Why are we so worried NOW? Mitchell just had his best professional year with the Cavs. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team marking the first time the Louisville guard made any All-NBA team. He was voted in as an All-Star Starter for the first time in his career. He scored a career high 71 points against the Bulls. This is all in his first year with the Cavs. There is more room for improvement for Mitchell, and the Cavs young core. To think that he would leave or is already pondering the next move is VERY premature.

Here’s why I want to think about the positives. Mitchell has proven to be a star in this league. No question about it. The Cavs have Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley. The three of these players all have the potential to be a three-headed monster. Garland and Mitchell make up one of the best backcourts in the league. Yes, they are small, but what they lack in size, they make up for with skill and smarts. Garland has been an all-star and is a willing passer and shot maker.

Then there is Evan Mobley. Mobley is the key to the Cavs’ future success. An All- Defensive First Team member, Mobley is a future All-Star who if he reaches his potential, could borderline be one of the top ten players in the league. Keeping in mind that Mobley is only 21 years old, and going into his third year, it is a matter of time before Mobley realizes how good his offense catches up to his defense. With that happening, and the Cavs adding to an already good core of players, why would Donovan leave? What reason would he have to go play elsewhere? If the Cavs continue building a championship level team, and the team is close, or even better, wins a championship, do we really think a player who is trying to etch his name among the greats, will up and leave the team where he is a part of building to a championship level?

The worrywarts in Cleveland have to stop worrying so much and start looking at the better options. If the Cavs can win a championship, go to the Finals… Who knows what will happen in three years. For once, instead of looking at the glass half empty, lets realize there is still something in the glass.  And consider that something which makes the glass half full can grow into a full cup. Because as it stands Mitchell is a member of the Cavs. Today. Tomorrow. And hopefully, years to come!