
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell has been turning heads this season, and his star only shines brighter as he's been voted to start in the NBA All-Star Game for the Eastern Conference, WKYC reports. The recognition is a testament to his exceptional play, marking his second start in this exhibition and his sixth consecutive selection since his days with the Utah Jazz.
Alongside Jalen Brunson from the New York Knicks and seasoned pros like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum, Mitchell carries the mantle for the Cavs, who boast the NBA's best record at a staggering 36-7. It is no small part of this because Mitchell's performance and the new head coach, Kenny Atkinson’s strategy, have proven to be a powerful combination for Cleveland.
Highlighting his significant impact since his NCAA days at Louisville, Sports Illustrated notes that Mitchell breaks a record for the most All-Star Game selections by a former Cardinal, setting a benchmark for Louisville alumni and illustrating his steady rise to NBA stardom, which began from the moment Denver Nuggets selected him, only to send him to the Jazz on draft night.
As fans anticipate the All-Star festivities, they can look forward to an innovative format this year, with four teams pitted against each other in a two-round, bracket-style tournament, an event surely to draw eager eyes, not only for the star-studded player lineup but the format switch up is a fresh take on the traditional All-Star experience. The Cleveland trio of Allen, Garland, and Mobley stand as strong contenders to be selected as part of the East's reserves, whose announcement will be awaited with bated breath.
This All-Star appearance is not just a feather in Mitchell's cap but also a moment to join Cleveland Legends, with News 5 Cleveland mentioning that he is just the third player in the team's history to be named a starter more than once, sharing this distinction with Kyrie Irving and the indomitable LeBron James.
With an average of 23.2 points per game, Mitchell's influence on the court is undeniable, and fans are sure to witness a showcase of his talent when the All-Star Game tips off in San Francisco on February 16, spotlighting Mitchell as not only a Cavs standout but as a veritable force in the league.