Donovan Mitchell is the star guard hoping to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a championship right now. Tonight, he faced off against a star guard who achieved that feat in 2016, Kyrie Irving. Mitchell advocated for Irving to have his jersey retired in Cleveland for his contributions to the legendary 2016 championship win.
“He should have his jersey retired for sure. Being able to do what he did at the highest level, year after year, to go from not winning to being able to do that and have that impact, I think is something that was truly remarkable. Obviously, what he has done in the playoffs in his career and in Cleveland, where he brought the city a championship, I feel like him, K-Love [Kevin Love], and Bron [LeBron James] should all have their jerseys retired. I think he should definitely have it retired… Only championship in team history, and he was a huge part of that,” Mitchell explained. “I think that’s something that should never go overlooked.”
These quotes came before the incredible Mavericks vs. Cavaliers matchup that took place tonight which ended with the Cavs stealing the win courtesy of a 60-foot Max Strus buzzer-beater. Irving showed off in front of his old fans, dropping 30 points in the game. Mitchell managed to outduel Kyrie with 31 points.
“It would be very meaningful. I haven’t given it much thought. I’m not oblivious to the questions you guys have for Donovan. … I don’t want him to be answering those questions because he’s new here, and he’s just trying to establish his legacy, and I give him a lot of credit.”
Irving, LeBron James, and Kevin Love formed the core of the only championship team that the Cavaliers have ever known. James’ jersey is going to hang in those rafters for sure, with even a statue outside the arena likely.
The Cavs must enshrine Irving and Love as well because those titles wouldn’t have been won if they weren’t on the roster with James, as evidenced by their 2015 Finals loss when both were injured.
Kyrie Irving Still Has Love For Cleveland
Kyrie Irving opened up on his positive feelings for the Cavaliers after their shock loss, expressing how thankful he is for the Cavs organization.
“Every time I come into this building, I look up at that banner, and it just brings me back to all those emotions. And I’m just grateful for my time here, and I really want to get that across to the Cavs fans, Cavs organization.”
His relationship with the Cavaliers ended in a frosty manner, as he forced his way out of the franchise after the 2017 NBA Finals to join the Boston Celtics. He hasn’t been able to win another championship despite stops on contending rosters like those Celtics and the Nets after.
The Mavericks are trending upwards with the franchise having a great relationship with Kyrie. Irving has even stated he wishes he was drafted by the Mavericks instead of the Cavaliers, though that may have been as a way to compliment Dallas and not disparage Cleveland.
Tonight’s loss was brutal, but Kyrie is having a strong season. He’s averaging 25.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, with many hoping he and Luka Doncic can lead the Mavericks to a deep playoff run.
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