Donovan Mitchell Reflects on Challenges Ahead of NBA Season Opener

SARASOTA, Fla. – Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, an All-Star, shared his thoughts on recent playoff disappointments and his upcoming season during an interview with Andscape.

The Cavaliers are set to start their 2026 NBA season against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, a matchup that comes with high expectations. Mitchell, a native of Greenwich, Connecticut, expressed excitement about the game, recalling his childhood as a Knicks fan.

“That’s a special night. Obviously, I’m from New York. Hometown team,” Mitchell said. “They beat us in the playoffs in 2023. They got a talented team, and people slate us as the 1 and 2 seeds in the East. What better way to start the season than that way?”

Last season ended in disappointment for Cleveland, finishing with a 64-18 record but losing in the second round of the playoffs to the Indiana Pacers. Mitchell pointed to that loss as a motivating factor for this year’s campaign.

“What has kept me up at night is honestly not just making the Finals,” he said. “I do believe my time is now,” reflecting on his goal of achieving greatness and winning a championship.

During the 2025-26 season, Mitchell will share insights into his life in a monthly diary. He aims to provide a deeper understanding of himself, as he believes fans often see athletes merely as performers without recognizing their personal struggles and growth.

In addition to his on-court activities, Mitchell is set to marry R&B singer Coco Jones. He revealed that their relationship blossomed from a private setting, emphasizing the need for privacy in his personal life despite the public nature of his career.

Mitchell’s support for education and community development, particularly through his foundation SPIDACARES, remains a priority. He aims to provide opportunities for Black and brown children, sharing his own experiences growing up in affluent Greenwich while recognizing the disparities in access to education.

The Cavaliers look to turn the page this season, with Mitchell taking on a larger leadership role as his teammates recover from injuries. Despite the challenges ahead, he radiates optimism that this can be the year Cleveland reaches the NBA Finals.

“We’ve got to go out there and handle business and set the tone on the season, and it’s going to be fun,” Mitchell said, looking forward to opening night.