Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell has voiced his support for retiring the jersey of former Cavs’ star Kyrie Irving, citing Irving’s pivotal role in delivering the team’s historic NBA championship victory.
Mitchell expressed his sentiments, emphasizing Irving’s significant contributions to the Cavaliers during his tenure with the franchise.
He highlighted Irving’s impact, especially during the team’s championship-winning campaign alongside LeBron James and Kevin Love.
“He should have his jersey retired,” Mitchell said, per Joey Mistretta of ClutchPoints. “He’s a guy who got drafted here and, when LeBron came back, to be able to do what he did at 24 years old, at the highest level, year to year, after going from not winning to coming in and having an immediate impact is truly remarkable.”
In Mitchell’s view, Irving’s performance in the playoffs and his overall career with the Cavaliers warrant the honor of having his jersey retired.
He underscored Irving’s role in bringing a championship to the city of Cleveland, labeling it as a pivotal moment in the team’s history.
“It’s what he’s done in the past in the playoffs and also in his career in Cleveland, he brought this city a championship,” Mitchell said. “Like, him, K-Love, and Bron should all have their jerseys retired. He should definitely have his jersey retired. I mean, it’s the only championship in team history and he was a huge part of that.”
During his time with the Cavaliers, Irving established himself as a dynamic playmaker and scorer, averaging 21.6 points, 5.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds across 381 games.
His contributions on both ends of the floor, particularly in clutch moments, endeared him to Cavaliers fans and solidified his legacy with the franchise.
Irving’s memorable shot in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, which secured the Cavaliers’ first-ever championship, remains etched in Cleveland sports lore.
His ability to elevate his game on the grandest stage and deliver under pressure cemented his status as a key figure in the team’s championship run.
