CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavs didn’t get the playoff run they wanted this season. But on Friday, they got something they hadn’t seen in years: two names on the All-NBA teams.
Donovan Mitchell, the face of the franchise, was named to the All-NBA first team for the first time in his career. Evan Mobley, the franchise’s future, earned All-NBA second team honors in just his fourth season.
Mitchell was accompanied by Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder, Nikola Jokić of the Nuggets, and Jayson Tatum of the Celtics on the All-NBA first team. Mobley was joined by Jalen Brunson of the Knicks, Stephen Curry of the Warriors, Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves, and LeBron James of the Lakers on the second team.
It’s the first time since 2015 — when James made first team and Kyrie Irving made third team — that Cleveland has had two players honored on the All-NBA teams. That 2014-15 season was the springboard to the Cavs’ only NBA championship the following year.
For Cleveland, that chapter serves as a blueprint for their upcoming season. The current duo of Mitchell and Mobley carries the weight of those expectations.
The two All-Stars have developed a synergy that goes beyond box score stats.
It began with a slight rotation adjustment early in the year, when Mitchell advocated to spend more minutes playing alongside Mobley. That change allowed Mitchell to empower Mobley on offense, creating opportunities for the big man to grow and assert himself.
“Donovan, a big reason why he re-signed, is Evan Mobley,” Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman said.
“… He said ‘I want to force feed Evan to make sure he’s going to be ready for the playoffs’ and that’s not going to stop.”
Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell.Getty Images
Their chemistry was on full display at All-Star Weekend in San Francisco, where they won the skills challenge together. Notably, the Cavs became the first team to win the skills challenge twice since the event switched to a team format in 2022.
That victory symbolized more than just a fun exhibition win — it underscored the growing connection between the two players.
Mitchell’s ability to balance scoring and playmaking, while nurturing his teammates’ growth, has been crucial.
He averaged 24 points per game with near 37% shooting from 3-point range, all while reducing his shot attempts to allow others to shine. That’s growth in leadership as much as skill — learning when to dominate and when to step aside for the collective good.
Meanwhile, Mobley made one of the most impressive leaps in the league. From expanding his shooting range to sharpening his defensive instincts, Mobley became a two-way force.
His recognition as an All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year finalist, All-Defensive first team, and All-NBA second team reflects the elite level he’s reached at just 23 years old.
While these honors highlight individual achievement, they also underscore the progress Cleveland has made.
This connection — forged through sacrifice, leadership, and mutual growth — signals Cleveland’s intent to transition from a regular-season powerhouse to a championship contender. The progress is clear. Now, the Cavs need to take that next step before their window narrows.
