The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a heartbreaking loss in Game 6 to the Toronto Raptors, and Evan Mobley’s mother apparently thinks Donovan Mitchell is to blame. Cleveland entered as a strong favorite to get past Toronto and had a dominant 2-0 start. However, they’ve failed to win every single game in Toronto and will have to win Game 7 to make the second round.
Mobley’s mother Nichol retweeted a comment that claimed no team can win an NBA Championship with Mitchell as their best player. The Road Trippin’ Podcast with Channing Frye and Richard Jefferson had a discussion with Fyre making this claim.
The following quote from Frye was in the Twitter post that Mrs. Mobley shared:
“I don’t think how Donovan Mitchell plays basketball is a recipe for success. Him taking a backseat in this series is absolutely necessary. When has he shown you (that) he can win past the 2nd round?”
Mitchell was criticized for his playing style of dominant offense and lackluster defense hurting the team. Frye believes that Mitchell needs the ball too much and must defer for the Cavaliers to have a better chance of winning. Mitchell has been the clear best player on the team for years, but Mobley and James Harden have improved the depth with three All-Stars now.
Why This Story Matters For Cavs’ Future
Cleveland can’t afford another early elimination with the Eastern Conference weaker than ever. The New York Knicks are the only East team who looks to be playing their best basketball in the playoffs of the top four East contenders.
Another first or second round elimination for the Cavaliers could see them having to make drastic changes. Harden is owed a new contract this offseason and may want his market value since his play enhances both Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Both big men get easy baskets with Harden’s facilitating style setting them up.
Mitchell only has one guaranteed year left on his deal and is already rumored to be traded if he doesn’t sign an extension this summer. However, Cleveland could outright refuse to pay him with all the money owed to other players and another failed season. Mobley and Mitchell clashing would make it easier to move him.
Evan Mobley Deserves Equal Blame To Mitchell
Mitchell is getting some unfair blame for Cleveland’s struggles since he’s carried them over the past few postseasons. Last season featured Mobley getting hurt and no one else having a good series for the Cavaliers when the Indiana Pacers eliminated them, but Mitchell averaged over 34 points.
The previous postseason elimination saw Mitchell averaging 32 points against the Boston Celtics before he suffered an injury. This year sees Mitchell struggling more against Toronto’s elite defender Scottie Barnes, but Mobley hasn’t been perfect either.
Everyone deserves some blame for Cleveland failing to play their best basketball at a time when they badly need it. One can blame Mobley not being able to slow down Barnes, despite being last year’s Defensive Player of the Year winner. Mobley’s mother was out of line for creating drama ahead of a Game 7 and already passing blame to a player playing better than her son.
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