Donovan Mitchell’s hypothetical fit on Team USA
Mitchell could fill a role in the ‘28 Olympic Games.
It has been eight years since a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers suited up for Team USA in the Olympic Games. Could Donovan Mitchell end the drought in 2028?
The first sip
Mitchell was excluded from Team USA this summer after being considered among 40 other players for the final roster. He had previously declined an invitation to the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which reportedly factored into his exclusion from Paris in 2024.
“Bickerstaff’s usage of Mitchell, league sources said, was a reason Mitchell provided when declining an invitation to play for USA Basketball last summer at the FIBA World Cup — a refusal that went a long way toward his exclusion from the Olympic team,”- The Athletic
Nevertheless, Mitchell is a prolific scorer who entered MVP conversations before injuring his knee last season. He will remain in consideration for Team USA for as long as he continues to be an All-NBA caliber superstar. This begs the question, what role would Mitchell play in the Olympics?
Team USA doesn’t just want talent — they want talent that fits together. Including Derrick White and Jrue Holiday is a prime example of their team-building philosophy. So, how does a high-volume scorer like Mitchell fit into the equation? It’s actually easier than you’d think.
Mitchell made strides as a playmaker last season, averaging a career-high 6.1 assists per game and displaying a willingness to move the ball that wasn’t previously present. This is key to Mitchell being a connective piece on a team where he would not be the sole superstar.
The Olympic roster is going to be loaded with talent even if Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Stephen Curry don’t return for 2028. This means Mitchell (and any other star) will have to sacrifice their usual style to benefit the team. Mitchell’s development from last season is a sign that he is capable of doing this.
Mitchell will have his work cut out for him. Notable guards such as Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey will all be fighting for a handful of spots.
Still, Mitchell has put together a string of fantastic NBA seasons. Four years from now, he could have as strong a resume as anyone else in consideration for Team USA. If that’s the case, he’ll fit right in with whatever system is in place.
Random Cavalier of the Day - Danny Green
Danny Green is one of the more underrated “What If?” scenarios for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Green spent nearly a decade as one of the most reliable role players on three separate championship squads. He was a premiere wing shortly after his first season with the Cavs and then ran out of steam just before returning for his second stint in 2023.
His 3-and-D development would have made him a dream fit next to LeBron James. This dream was eventually realized in a 2020 championship run with Los Angeles. But back in 2009, Green just wasn’t that player yet.
Fast forward to 2023 and the Cavaliers once again found themselves in desperate need for the skills that Green had built his entire career on. He signed with Cleveland just weeks before the playoffs began but was unable to make an impact in his 14th NBA season.
Green had two chances at being the perfect role player in Cleveland but unfortunately, the timelines never synced up.