As Donovan Mitchell gears up for what could be a deep playoff run with the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, the All-Star guard recently shared his all-time starting five during an appearance on the New Heights podcast with NFL greats Jason and Travis Kelce. Mitchell’s lineup wasn’t just a celebration of greatness—it was a reflection of the modern game and how he sees basketball evolving.
“Steph at the one. Kobe at the two. MJ at the three. Bron at the four… My five man, I’m playing in 2025 basketball, so I’m not really going traditional. I’m going small ball. KD at the five.”
Mitchell’s list brings together a potent mix of all-time scoring, leadership, and modern versatility. Stephen Curry at point guard represents the greatest shooter in history and a revolutionary force in how NBA offenses are run.
At shooting guard, Mitchell went with his idol, Kobe Bryant, a five-time champion and one of the most lethal scorers the game has seen.
Sliding Michael Jordan to the small forward position was an interesting choice, though not unusual in today’s positionless basketball era. With six championships and a legacy that still casts a shadow over the league, MJ remains the gold standard for greatness.
At power forward, Mitchell placed LeBron James, the all-time leading scorer and a four-time NBA champion whose longevity and versatility make him a perfect fit at any spot on the floor.
Rounding out the lineup at center is Kevin Durant. This is where Mitchell leaned fully into 2025-style basketball, choosing a seven-footer with guard skills, elite shooting, and defensive versatility over traditional big men like Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Durant at the five would allow the team to space the floor like never before, creating mismatches at every position.
Mitchell’s all-time five emphasizes skill, spacing, and switchability—a team that could dominate on both ends in any era, but especially in today’s pace-and-space landscape.
The Cavaliers star isn’t just talking greatness; he’s chasing it. Coming off a strong regular season where he averaged 24.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, Mitchell enters the postseason as Cleveland’s leader and go-to option.
Alongside Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, and under the guidance of Coach of the Year Kenny Atkinson, the Cavs have emerged as the biggest threat to the Boston Celtics in the East.
Cleveland finished with a 64-18 record, a 16-game improvement from last season, and are set to take on the Miami Heat in the first round. The team’s deep roster and balanced attack are built for a long playoff run, and Mitchell’s postseason performances will be a key factor in their title hopes.
As he pursues a championship, Mitchell’s own all-time five is a glimpse into his basketball philosophy: dominate with skill, win with heart, and embrace the future. Whether it’s on a podcast or the playoff stage, Donovan Mitchell continues to leave his mark on the game.
